The Pacers, Nets, Kings, and Jazz are among the teams “coming on strong” for Kelly Olynyk, according to Sam Amick of USA Today, who reports (via Twitter)
Gordon Hayward‘s decision on Tuesday likely helped jump-start the market for several other free agents, but none were impacted as directly as Olynyk. In order to help create cap room for Hayward’s maximum salary contract, the Celtics withdrew Olynyk’s qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent rather than an RFA.
Olynyk is now eligible to sign outright with a new team, which has created significant interest around the league. The Pacers, Nets, Kings, and Jazz all have cap room left over, and would each likely be able to offer more than the mid-level exception, though Brooklyn may want resolution on Otto Porter‘s offer sheet first, and Indiana is trying to shed some salary, per Amick.
Olynyk, 26, appeared in 75 regular season games for the Celtics last season, averaging 9.0 PPG and 4.8 RPG and once again showed off an ability to make an outside shot (.368 career 3PT%). His most memorable performance in Boston came in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Wizards, when he helped the C’s seal the series with a 26-point outburst.
Ignoring the inevitable “dirty player” comments, he was a solid contributor with a solidly high ceiling in today’s NBA as a 7 footer who can shoot outside. I will miss him on the Celtics and he could be a huge pickup for a rebuilding team or a team needing a change of pace off the bench
As a Pacers’ fan, I’d rather they pass on him and give minutes to guys already on the team. They aren’t in a position to compete and likely won’t be until they find a star through the draft again. That star could be on the roster, might not be, but he’s likely a couple of years away anyway. But just give the 4/5 minutes to Turner, Sabonis, Leaf, Thad Young, Jefferson, and the other guy from UCLA.
I totally agree
Why couldn’t Ainge work in a sign and trade involving Crowder, Olynyk, and picks for George??
Supposedly the Pacers weren’t keen on trading him in-conference. Just a rumor I heard but it wouldn’t surprise him too much.
Yeah but it seems weird to turn down the best offer for that reason.
As a Cavs fan, I’ll be the first to admit that I hate Kelly Olynyk. That said, he’s a quality player if used correctly (i.e. not guarding LeBron in the paint like he occasionally did in the ECF), and he’ll make a good piece for whoever ends up getting him.
bandwagon
I’m an Indians and a Browns fan too so whatever helps you sleep at night buddy
Bulls need big bodies but garpax focusing on 10 point guards on their roster and r clueless!
This guy would be a quality addition to just about any NBA club. Little bit of upside too. If somehow the Raps can maneuver and get him, I’d be ecstatic.
Could he take wayyy less money to go back to the celts and everything is pretty much done for them. Got heyward. Traded one of Smart/Crowder/Bradley and got a big guy they know and r comfortable with playing with Horford and the rest of the band