5 Under-the-radar trade targets for Mavericks before the deadline
By Tyler Watts
3. Kelly Olynyk
The Utah Jazz are rebuilding, and Olynyk’s expiring contract figures to be shopped before the Feb. 8 trade deadline. Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson steal the headlines of Utah trade targets, but Olynyk can help nearly any contender and figures to come at a discount.
The 6’11 big man is averaging 8.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 0.9 steals in 21.9 minutes per game this season. He is a career 36.9 percent 3-point shooter and is capable of filling multiple roles. Olynyk is comfortable being the backup center or playing some four next to a traditional big man. He can space the floor, make plays, and defend multiple positions.
Olynyk has played for five different teams and helped the Heat reach the NBA Finals in 2020. He has 48 games of playoff experience and would be a fantastic reserve big-man option in Dallas. Maxi Kleber has played just five games this season, which has left Dwight Powell and Richaun Holmes behind rookie Derrick Lively II. Olynyk can take over that role and add some more versatility to Kidd’s rotation.
The 32-year-old is on a $12.1 million expiring contract and figures to draw interest from several contenders. It would not be a flashy move, but Kelly Olynyk could be a key part of the Mavs rotation as they attempt to make a deep postseason run.