Why Kelly Olynyk Makes Sense As a Trade Target For Thunder

As the Holiday season rolls around, the trade deadline looms closer. Because of how Oklahoma City continues to exceed expectations, they'll likely be linked to a handful of players around the league.

Many Thunder fans are already clamoring for a player on the Utah Jazz, and it's easy to guess who. Star forward Lauri Markkanen continues to play at an All-Star level and the Jazz are slipping further and further down the standings. The team wanted to be competitive, but might have to rebuild sooner rather than later.

Everyone has a price, of course, but it's hard to envision Markkanen becoming available. He's only 26 years old, and if Utah is looking to retool instead of rebuild, it seems obvious to keep him around. The Thunder would likely have to fork over a treasure chest of players and assets to get him, too.

There's another player on the Jazz roster that can help the Thunder, though. The team needs a backup big man that fits the Thunder's scheme on both ends of the floor, and Kelly Olynyk fits the bill. He's an under-the-radar guy, and it's hard to see the Thunder making a splash trade so soon in the journey the current team is on. Why not make the playoffs before assessing major areas of need and shake things up in a big way?

Olynyk would be cheap and fill plenty of holes for the Thunder. His minutes are down this year in Utah, where he's playing on a youth-filled team, but his efficiency is sky high. In 21 minutes, he's averaging 7.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists, while shooting 55.2% from the floor, 46.2% from 3-point range and 89.7% from the free throw line.

He has the Gonzaga tie to Chet Holmgren and could be a veteran presence that could help mentor the Thunder's star center. He's a fantastic passer and 37% 3-point shooter that would really help space the floor. At 6-foot-11, he would add size to the front court and give Oklahoma City a true big man off the bench.

He also plays on Team Canada with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort, providing extra chemistry in the lineup.

He brings a lot to the table as a player, and would make more since than targeting a one-dimensional rebounder like Andre Drummond. His price tag would be appealing to the Thunder, too.

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