Kelly Olynyk’s Unavoidable Jazz Exit Could Happen Very Soon
There’s a chance the veteran stretch big will leave Utah sooner than Jazz fans imagined. the most recent trade package
The acquisition of John Collins to the Utah Jazz raises a number of issues about how the front staff will approach the next steps in the team-building process. Kelly Olynyk’s future on the roster is one of the questions Utah will need to address very soon.
With the deadline for the Jazz to commit $3 million to Olynyk for next season approaching on June 28th, a cost-cutting move could be the inexorable fate of KO’s time in Utah. Olynyk was a critical member of the Jazz’s starting lineup for 68 games this season, averaging 12.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.
Per Spotrac: Kelly Olynyk has $3 million of an incoming $12.2 million guaranteed that becomes fully guaranteed tomorrow.
Could be an under-the-radar addition for someone really soon…… pic.twitter.com/bltuNJa32B
— Bryan Fonseca 🇵🇷 (@BryanFonsecaNY) June 27, 2023
Considering recent offseason additions of John Collins and Taylor Hendricks along with Damian Jones accepting his player option, opportunity in Jazz’s frontcourt is becoming increasingly slim. Also, with continued heavy emphasis on the further development of Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler, it’s hard to find a great fit for Olynyk in Utah for the 2023-24 season.
Due to the lack of a defined slot in the rotation for next season, another team eager to take on Olynyk may need to do so relatively quickly due to the contract ramifications. Fortunately for the Jazz, his $12 million contract is negotiable and can be worked into a variety of trades throughout the league. It’s a never-ending opportunity for a business executive like Danny Ainge.
With his contract set to expire next summer, a contending team in need of size and shooting may take on Olynyk for little risk. While the return the Jazz would get for Kelly is tough to anticipate at the present, obtaining either a developing prospect or draft selection in return could be a reasonable ask for the soon-to-be 11-year vet.
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