The Boston Celtics are the best team in the NBA at the moment, and according to recent reports, they want to get even better. NBA insider Marc Stein recently reported that the Celtics are currently pursuing a reunion with Utah Jazz’s big man Kelly Olynyk.
The Celtics believe they could use some quality depth on the center position to take the load off of Kristaps Porzingis. Olynyk is a perfect candidate, thanks to his familiarity with the system as well as his ability to stretch the floor.
Olynyk is having a solid season with the Jazz, averaging 7.9 points, 5.5 assists, and a career-high 4.6 assists. The 32-year-old player is also making 41.4% of his shots behind the three-point line, his best mark since turning pro.
However, pulling off the deal won’t be easy for the Celtics. Olynyk is attracting interest from other teams, and the Jazz likely won’t let him leave for cheap. Also, he has a $12 million salary and is on an expiring contract, meaning Boston would have to give up some of their depth for a player that could be a rental.
Kelly Olynyk started his career with the Celtics, who acquired him in a draft-day trade with the Dallas Mavericks in 2013. After four seasons in Boston, Olynyk became a free agent and signed with the Miami Heat. He also had stints with the Houston Rockets and the Detroit Pistons before landing with the Jazz.
