The Toronto Raptors brought in Kelly Olynyk at the NBA Trade Deadline.
Toronto acquired the Canadian center and Ochai Agbaji from the Utah Jazz in return for Kira Lewis Jr., Otto Porter Jr., and a 2024 first-round pick.
Olynyk is 32-years-old and is an unrestricted free agent this summer, but the Raptors reportedly did not trade for him as a rental.
According to The Toronto Star’s Doug Smith, The Raptors plan on keeping Olynyk after this season:
“You can expect an announcement shortly — ‘maybe in the next couple of weeks,’ one team official said this week — on a contract extension for the Scarborough-born Olynyk, obtained from Utah a week ago. Whether it’s a straight two-year deal or two years plus an option, the Raptors want to lock up the 32-year-old as quickly as they can.”
Olynyk’s current deal is for just over $12 million a year.
Smith says that the Raptors see Olynyk as a great fit one the team and someone who will resonate in a locker room full of young players.
The veteran has already stated that he wants to stay in Toronto during his introductory media session:
“Yeah, I would love to. I’d love to be here for the rest of my career, hopefully that plays out.”
The Raptors are in a rebuild but having a presence like Olynyk will be valuable. Not only can he serve as a veteran leader of the team but he can be a good mentor for some of the younger players on the roster.
Olynyk’s time with the Raptors
Olynyk has played in three games for the Raptors already. He finished with 17 points, 3 blocks and 3 steals against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Feb. 10.
Olynyk left the Raptors most recent game against the Indiana Pacers with lower-back strain but he will have extended time to heal up as Toronto won’t play its next game until Feb. 22 against the Brooklyn Nets.
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