Raptors trade rumors: 3 quality big men on Western Conference teams

Dec 26, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Jakob Poeltl (25) Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Jakob Poeltl (25) Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
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Kelly Olynyk, Toronto Raptors
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 26: Kelly Olynyk #41 of the Utah Jazz (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

1. Kelly Olynyk, Utah Jazz

Olynyk was born in Toronto and went to high school in Kamloops, so it’s only fitting that the league’s lone Canadian team tries to see what it will take to acquire him. Even though they’ve exceeded expectations this season, the Jazz will likely look to get assets for Olynyk.

Olynyk is averaging 12.9 points and 5,0 rebounds per game this season, but his 43% 3-point percentage this season is the trait that might attract Toronto more than any other. He’s not a fantastic defender, but he can space the floor and score in ways Juancho Hernangomez can’t.

Kelly Olynyk could fit the Toronto Raptors.

While Danny Ainge and the Jazz are so obsessed with draft picks that they will likely dig their heels in and insist on a big payday, Olynyk is a rare case of an aging veteran who might not require that level of capital. Perhaps a player and a few seconds can get a deal done.

Freshly recovered from an injury, it’s time for Olynyk to show off what he’s made of as contending teams circle above. His work with Boston and Miami shows that he can be a nice role player for a championship team in the right situation.