Warriors could eye stretch big from Toronto to complement their sharpshooting core

The Toronto Raptors have played 18 games in the 2024-25 regular season, and only two players have yet to suit up due to injury: Bruce Brown and one of their hometown boys, Kelly Olynyk.

The Raptors' backup stretch forward/center sustained a back injury during the preseason, and a specific timetable for his return has not yet become clear. Toronto placed significant faith in Olynyk’s skill set and contributions to the Raptors, trading a first-round pick to acquire him and Ochai Agbaji at last year's trade deadline.

When healthy, Olynyk brings a unique presence on the court, showcasing his versatility as a big man who can facilitate effectively for his position, shoot the three-ball, and utilize his nearly 7-foot frame to secure rebounds.

In spurts last season with Toronto, Olynyk demonstrated that he could be a very intriguing X-factor in specific closeout situations. At the same time, there were stretches where he proved to be unplayable beyond his allotted backup minutes. Nonetheless, it didn't stop the Raptors front office from extending the 33-year-old veteran with a two-year deal worth over $26 million.

However, in addition to Toronto wanting to acquire the Canadian big man, another NBA franchise reportedly set its sights on Olynyk ahead of the 2024 trade deadline: the Golden State Warriors.

This information comes from NBA Insider Jake Fischer, who talked about the Dubs' previous interest in Kelly Olynyk during a recent livestream on the Bleacher Report app.

The same intrigue connecting Golden State to Kelly Olynyk is likely to persist as the team seeks depth at the center position, and they could easily contact Toronto with an offer to bring Olynyk to the Bay Area.

Could Kelly Olynyk be on his way to Golden State?

Currently, the Warriors have Trayce Jackson-Davis playing the five. He’s a solid player in his own right, but he’s not necessarily a lock for the full-time starting center position as Golden State looks to make a deep playoff push. Whether the Warriors decide to pursue a deal now is particularly relevant, especially in light of the recent season-ending injury to guard De'Anthony Melton.

Melton's expiring contract, worth $12.8 million, aligns seamlessly for a straightforward monetary match with Olynyk's $13 million salary. However, Olynyk would likely need to get a few games in with the Raptors this season before Golden State would be eager to make a move. Even after he suits up for Toronto, who's to say they'd be willing to depart with him so soon?

One of the Raptors' significant challenges this season is their lack of center depth, and Olynyk's absence has notably impacted that situation. The team has been forced to rely on rookie Jonathan Mogbo at center in small-ball lineups at times, or turn to reserve Bruno Fernando, who has showcased some bright moments this season.

Sure, Olynyk may not perfectly align with the Raptors' rebuilding timeline, but he’s undeniably a great fit for Toronto nonetheless. Last season, he demonstrated his ability to be an impactful player at times, and he aims to continue that momentum as soon as injuries no longer hold him back. As we've discussed before, Toronto's rebuild could appear quite bleak if they fail to assemble a solid roster of veterans to support their young talent, and Kelly Olynyk fits that bill perfectly.

If Golden State offers significant draft capital or includes a young asset in the mix, then it would be ideal for Toronto to depart from Kelly Olynyk's services. For now, a road to recovery appears to be the only thing on the horizon for Olynyk. Without a doubt, he’ll have a multitude of suitors reaching out to Toronto, with Golden State likely leading those discussions.