Kelly Olynyk is traded to the wounded Grizzlies in a controversial jazz trade proposal.
When the Memphis Grizzlies team is in need, the Utah Jazz might be able to assist them.
The Utah Jazz have been one of the more well-known teams involved in trade talks and rumours over the past year. Swollen with a few desired players and a plethora of valuable assets, Salt Lake City could easily be the hub of any potential deal.
A rebuilding team like the Jazz might ultimately decide to ship off one or two of these players to get some value before they leave in free agency, as there are a few contracts that expire this summer. Taking into account Danny Ainge’s dealing history, this is actually the most likely course of events.
Even though a trade for the Jazz might not happen very soon, entertaining rumours are always welcome. If such a deal were to come across Ainge’s desk, it would be an intriguing proposal to act upon:
Brandon Clarke, a 2026 second-round pick (via LAC), is received by Utah Jazz.
Received by the Memphis Grizzlies: Kelly Olynyk
The Memphis Grizzlies have had a difficult start to the 2023–24 NBA season without their star point guard, Ja Morant. They have a 3–13 record and have sustained numerous injuries during their play. Players like Brandon Clarke and Steven Adams are expected to be sidelined for the next few weeks, along with important rotational players like Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, and Xavier Tillman.
Once Morant is back in the starting lineup, Memphis needs to turn things around quickly if they hope to salvage their season. Here’s where the Jazz play a part.
With an Achilles tear, Clarke was expected to miss an indefinite period of time, according to an announcement made in March. Over the previous four seasons, he has been a reliable member of the Grizzlies squad, averaging 10.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting an amazing 60.4% from the field. Although he has a good role for Memphis on the court, his recuperation prevents him from helping the team this season.
On the other hand, Kelly Olynyk is a player who can step in and offer some relief. He has averaged 7.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists through 17 games in the 2023–24 campaign. He has also had some positive shooting splits (57.0/41.9/87.9). In this desperate situation, Memphis could really use that shooting and size combo.
The Grizzlies currently have the lowest field goal (42.2%) and three-point percentage (32.7) percentages in the NBA. When you take into account that Adams will no longer be as dominant in the paint, adding a player like Olynyk might make sense.
Due to Olynyk’s expiring contract, the Grizzlies could, at the very least, effectively release around $12 million in cap space during the offseason. That kind of financial independence is appealing to a smaller market like Memphis that wants to get back into the race for consideration.
The Jazz would receive a future second-round pick in exchange for a versatile forward (27 years old) who had just recovered from a severe injury. Additionally, Clarke is contractually under contract until the summer of 2027, which adds value to Utah’s acquisition.
Given the kind of rehabilitation an Achilles tear typically necessitates, Clarke might not play for any team this season, but the Jazz have a schedule that works for him. Younger players like Taylor Hendricks and Brice Sensabaugh can fill in those minutes when Clarke is rested on the team. This is almost the perfect situation for a young team like Utah.
With Morant’s possible comeback still in the air, there is still hope for this Grizzlies team. Simultaneously, though, for there to be a return to the level of production from the previous season, something needs to change. Although it’s unclear whether a deal like this would actually go through, it appears to be fairly advantageous for both sides on the surface.
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