As the Celtics look to shore up their roster prior to the NBA’s February 8 trade deadline, they could be looking to reunite with an old friend.
According to a report from NBA Insider Mark Stein, the Celtics are one of several teams monitoring Utah Jazz big man Kelly Olynyk. The Celtics selected the now 32-year-old via trade with the 14th pick in the 2013 NBA draft. Olynyk spent his first four NBA seasons in Boston before signing a four-year contract with the Heat in 2017.
With the Jazz entering a rebuild, the 10-year vet, who is in the final year of his deal, is expected to become available.
Olynk, who last played for Boston in the 2016-17 season, is playing just under 22 minutes a game, averaging 7.9 points, 4.5 assists, and 5.5 rebounds. The 6-foot-11 big man is shooting a very efficient 54.9% from the field, 41.8% from deep, and 88.9% at the line, all career-highs.
A clear connection exists between Boston and Utah, as Danny Ainge is now running the Jazz – However, though a reunion with the former fan favorite would be fun, it would be a tricky deal for Brad Stevens and the Celtics’ Front Office maneuver.
For the Celtics to acquire Olynyk, they would need to match the nearly $12 million he is due this season – a tough ask for a team already constrained by cap flexibility and sitting above the luxury tax.
While Boston has different players that could make the deal work in terms of salary-matching, it would likely need to involve a rotational player or multiple bench players – a scenario that would have repercussions on Boston's depth.
It’s also worth noting is set to become an unrestricted free agent after this current season.
Olynyk is now the second frontcourt player the Celtics have reportedly shown interest in. The Athletic’s James Edwards III reported last week that the C’s have displayed 'great interest' in Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart.
Frontcourt depth was a question for the Celtics entering the season. However, Boston has received some nice contributions from Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta.
Queta, who signed with Boston on a two-way deal this offseason, has been especially impressive, as he has made a real case for a standard deal – but Stevens and the Celtics’ Front Office know they have a chance to do something special and are not letting complacency settle in.
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