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Pair of Former Zags Thriving After Getting Dealt at NBA Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andy Patton | Last updated Mar 3, 2025 12:25 PM ET

The NBA trade deadline was the busiest in league history, with over 60 players changing hands including a pair of former Gonzaga Bulldogs.

Zach Collins was part of a three-team trade that landed Zach LaVine in Sacramento and De'Aaron Fox in San Antonio, while he went to Chicago to help steer the tanking team toward a top pick.

Meanwhile, Kelly Olynyk was included as salary filler in Toronto's big move to acquire Brandon Ingram from New Orleans. It was tough to see Olynyk dealt by Toronto, the team he grew up rooting for in Kamloops, but after 12 years and five NBA franchises the veteran was prepared to start over with team number six.

An increased opportunity for the veteran, who went from 16 minutes per game in Toronto to about 25 in New Orleans, has led to a very strong start for KO on the Pelicans.

After a breakout 26 point, nine rebound, four assist performance against Utah on Sunday, Olynyk is now averaging 12.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists with New Orleans, teaming up nicely with Zion Williamson in the Pels frontcourt.

Collins is also thriving in his new threads, posting some of the best performances of his seven year career through seven games with the Bulls.

Collins had a monster 21 point, 17 rebound, seven assist game against the Clippers back on Feb. 26, and followed that up with 15 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists in an overtime win over Toronto.

All told the big man is averaging 12.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists with the Bulls, playing a huge role after the team gutted the roster in an effort to rebuild.

The NBA is all about opportunity, and both Olynyk and Collins - two of the oldest Zags still active in the NBA - landed in spots where they can take full advantage and showcase they still have plenty of good ball left in the tank.

So far, so good.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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