Is Kelly Olynyk going to put the Boston Celtics over the top?
In his recent substack, Marc Stein reported that the Boston Celtics have displayed interest in Kelly Olynyk, a forward from the Utah Jazz. League insiders have revealed that Boston is actively observing Olynyk, recognizing him as one of the available veterans from the Jazz roster, and his familiarity with the Celtics adds to the intrigue. Olynyk, who spent his initial four NBA seasons in Boston, is currently playing on an expiring $12.2 million deal, making him a notable candidate for potential trades this season. Notably, he contributed significantly to the Jazz’s recent victory in Detroit, scoring 27 points in 35 minutes as a starter in the absence of several regular players.
Olynyk’s stature at 6-foot-11, turning 33 in April, makes him a logical trade target, especially for the New York Knicks, considering their urgent need for size following Mitchell Robinson’s potentially season-ending ankle injury.
While Olynyk has quietly excelled offensively for the Jazz, acting as a crucial connector between various lineups, his departure could pose challenges for Utah’s offense, which lacks significant playmaking. Despite defensive concerns, Olynyk’s frontcourt shooting prowess, boasting a 41% accuracy from three-point range, enhances his appeal. If he were to join the Celtics, Olynyk could offer valuable depth, particularly as Boston aims to manage Al Horford’s playing time more effectively. However, the pivotal consideration for Boston remains the cost of the trade. With the Celtics holding a $6.2 million trade exception from the Grant Williams trade and Olynyk’s $12 million salary, Boston may need to part ways with a combination of players. The looming question is whether Boston is willing to relinquish one of their first-round picks, potentially impacting the team’s overall health and their pursuit of a championship.