The Toronto Raptors traded Kelly Olynyk as part of the package for Brandon Ingram at the 2025 deadline, and things have further fallen off for the veteran big man. He was traded twice in the offseason and wound up on the Spurs. San Antonio signed Luke Kornet to back up Victor Wembanyama, which has left Olynyk on the fringes of the rotation.
Even when he has played, the 34-year-old has struggled to make shots and have an impact on winning. The stretch five is shooting just 23.5 percent from 3-point range and has produced a 0.1 value over replacement player (VORP). The Spurs are surprise title contenders, but Olynyk has played over ten minutes in just three of their last 13 games.
The Raptors gave up a first-round draft pick in the trade that brought the seven-footer to Toronto and quickly gave him a two-year extension. The Toronto native wanted to finish his career with the Raptors, but things didn’t work out. The Raptors saw the big man declining and sent him packing. Things have only gotten worse.
Kelly Olynyk continues to decline with the Spurs
Olynyk is in the final year of the extension he signed in Toronto. His 10.5 minutes per game is by far a career low. He averages 4.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.5 steals over 22 contests. The veteran still has an intriguing skill set. A seven-footer capable of spacing the floor, making a few plays, and rebounding will always draw interest.
The 34-year-old has lost a step and is a trade candidate if the Spurs try to upgrade their roster before the Feb. 5 deadline. He is on a $13.4 million expiring contract. Rebuilding teams would have no qualms about taking on his deal, and it could help net San Antonio key rotation depth as they look to compete with the NBA’s best teams.
An injury or foul trouble is Olynyk’s only path to minutes. Victor Wembanyama has already missed 14 games, and the Spurs are watching his minutes closely. With better health, the superstar will only play more. Kornet has been a fantastic signing and is locked in as the backup big man. Head coach Mitch Johnson is not playing many two-big-man looks, which leaves Olynyk outside the nightly mix.
The seven-footer’s play improved in each of the last two seasons after being traded, but fans shouldn’t expect it to happen again. He has made just eight of his 34 3-point attempts. Even when Wemby missed 12 straight games, Olynyk played just 12.6 minutes each night. The Spurs want to win and are not playing the veteran significant time under any circumstances.
The Toronto Raptors got out of the Kelly Olynyk business at the right time. He is clearly declining and struggling to get on the floor. Olynyk may not be long for San Antonio, but there are no signs of his play improving. His best bet to stick on a contender may be the buyout market after being traded. The veteran’s best days are sadly behind him.