During the 204 NBA Trade Deadline, the Toronto Raptors acquired Canadian Kelly Olynyk from the Utah Jazz.
They have since signed Olynyk to a two-year, $26.25 million contract extension.
While Olynyk has provided some spacing for the Raptors and underrated playmaking, Toronto could use another physical center.
But, Bleacher Report suggests the Los Angeles Clippers should target Olynyk in a swap with former Raptors champion Norman Powell.
This could be a trade that makes sense for both sides. With Toronto acquiring a possible Gary Trent Jr. replacement, should he decide to walk this summer.
For L.A., every center outside of Ivica Zubac is a free agent and Olynyk could offer a different skillset as a spacing big.
Powell was a Sixth Man of the Year finalist this past season and could seamlessly replace that scoring that Trent Jr. brought to the table.
However, it would not make a ton of sense for the Raptors to move off from Olynyk given that they recently added two more years on his contract.
For the Clippers, they are an expensive team with Kawhi Leonard on a new deal and with looming decisions on Paul George and James Harden. Owner Steve Balmer may have to make some tough decisions this offseason.
By trading Powell, L.A. trims $6.4 million off of their payroll, which could also save them from potential tax penalties.
Overall, this is an interesting proposal for both sides with some positives. Should Olynyk be moved, this would create a greater need for Toronto to take a center in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Kelly Olynyk discusses ‘gauntlet’ of hardships this season
After coming off winning situations with the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat, Toronto presents a new challenge for Olynyk.
While he experienced a rebuild with the Jazz, Olynyk discussed the ‘gauntlet’ of hardships the Raptors experienced this season, particularly coming out of the All-Star break.
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