Report: Jazz Make Final Decision on Bringing Back Kelly Olynyk

The Utah Jazz roster is starting to take shape.

Forward Kelly Olynk’s contract has been picked up by the Utah Jazz for the 2023-24 season. Michael Scotto reported the news on Thursday morning.

"The Utah Jazz fully guaranteed Kelly Olynyk’s $12.19 million deal for the 2023-24 season. Olynyk started all 68 games he appeared in for Utah last season," Scotto tweeted. 

The Utah Jazz fully guaranteed Kelly Olynyk’s $12.19 million deal for the 2023-24 season. Olynyk started all 68 games he appeared in for Utah last season.

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 29, 2023

The Jazz taking on Olynyk’s last year on his contract was all but a formality, considering what the 10-year veteran can do on the court. In 2022-23, Olynyk averaged 12.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game in Year 1 in Salt Lake City. 

Providing depth behind Walker Kessler and the newly-acquired John Collins will most likely be Olynyk’s role to begin the season, but his days as a Jazzman could be numbered. With an expiring contract paired with a salary that can help facilitate a trade, Olynyk will be a player to keep an eye on when the NBA rumor mill fires up. 

Olynyk provides Utah with needed depth and versatility coming off the bench at the power forward position. Olynyk began last season starting at the center position, but due to an ankle injury, he was replaced by the rookie Kessler. However, the journeyman Olynyk was still inserted in the starting lineup upon his return at the four spot. 

It’s been an eventful week for Utah, with Olynyk, Jordan Clarkson, and Talen Horton-Tucker coming back along with the arrival of Collins. With only $14.1 million left in cap space, we’ll see whether Utah is able to add to its roster via free agency.

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