One NBA writer is proposing that the Memphis Grizzlies acquire Kelly Olynyk from the Utah Jazz.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Grizzlies and Jazz:
Kelly Olynyk for Luke Kennard and a 2026 lottery-protected first-round pick
The Jazz are expected to trade Olynyk before the trade deadline in February, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. Bailey believes Olynyk can help the Grizzlies, who will likely be better moving forward now that superstar point guard Ja Morant is back.
“The Grizzlies are one team that could be desperate enough for size to send a first-round pick for Olynyk’s wide-ranging production,” Bailey wrote. “He’s not the bruiser Steven Adams is, but he can approximate that better than Jaren Jackson Jr. has in Adams’ injury-induced absence. More importantly, his presence in the roster would slide JJJ back over to his natural position at the 4 (Basketball Reference’s position estimates have Jackson playing more minutes as a center than he ever has before).
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kelly Olynyk, Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
“And just imagine Ja Morant, who’s about to return from his 25-game suspension, working on a floor with Olynyk, Jackson, Desmond Bane and anyone else who’s even a moderately dangerous shooter. Slashing lanes for Ja would be wide open.”
Olynyk is averaging 7.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists this season while shooting 53.3% from the field, 42.2% from beyond the arc and 89.7% from the free-throw line.
The Grizzlies could start Morant, Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane, Olynyk and Jaren Jackson Jr. That’s a versatile starting lineup with multiple ball handlers, scorers and shooters.
Olynyk has career averages of 10.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists with the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons and Jazz. It will be interesting to see where Utah trades the 32-year-old.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kelly Olynyk, Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Olynyk is making $12.2 million this season. He’s in the final year of his contract.
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