Golden State Warriors Rumors: Kelly Olynyk named potential target of the defending champions
The Golden State Warriors are in a very interesting situation ahead of the Feb. 9 trade deadline. The Warriors are still struggling for consistency and could use an upgrade to their roster. The latest rumors suggest that the defending champs should target Kelly Olynyk of the Utah Jazz.
According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Warriors are not looking to make any huge deadline deals. However, they are looking to upgrade their roster to increase their chances of defending the championship.
Monte Poole of NBC Sports reported last week that Golden State wants to add size and shooting. They will be active in the trade market, but no deals are imminent.
Anthony Slater suggested that the Golden State Warriors should take a look at Kelly Olynyk of the Utah Jazz. Slater even called Olynyk an upgrade since the Warriors are having injury trouble in the form of James Wiseman and JaMychal Green.
Olynyk is currently out with an ankle injury, but is expected to make a full recovery. He's averaging 12.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game for the Jazz. With the emergence of rookie center Walker Kessler, Utah could consider trading Olynyk.
Slater also pointed out Olynyk's contract as an incentive for the Warriors. The veteran big man only has a partially guaranteed contract for next season, which is great news for a team with luxury tax concerns.
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Who could the Golden State Warriors trade for Kelly Olynyk?
Kelly Olynyk is earning $12.8 million this season after signing a three-year deal with the Detroit Pistons in 2021. Olynyk was traded to the Utah Jazz this past summer in the Bojan Bogdanovic deal. But who could the Golden State Warriors trade for Olynyk?
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report suggested trading James Wiseman and Ryan Rollins for the Jazz big man. Wiseman has failed to make an impact for the Warriors this season, while Rollins continues to develop in the NBA G League.
It might not be what Golden State planned, but Olynyk could provide a much-needed spark for them. He has the size to play inside, while also being a 36.8% shooter from beyond the arc for his career.
However, Anthony Slater of The Athletic also reported that the Golden State Warriors might hold on to James Wiseman, Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga. Warriors ownership still believes in their young guys and the front office might need to get more creative.
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