FOR THE second time this offseason, veteran big man Kelly Olynyk is on the move.
According to a report by ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Washington Wizards have traded Olynyk to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for young guards Malaki Branham, Blake Wesley, and a 2026 second-round draft pick.
The second-rounder involved in the deal will be the least favorable pick from among the Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers, or Oklahoma City Thunder.
Olynyk is expected to bolster San Antonio’s frontcourt depth behind rising star Victor Wembanyama. He becomes the second frontcourt addition for the Spurs this offseason, following the signing of Luke Kornet in free agency.
The 33-year-old Olynyk brings strong floor-spacing ability to the Spurs, having shot a career-best 42% from three-point range last season.
Over the past three years, he has converted 41% of his catch-and-shoot three-point attempts. He also averaged efficient shooting splits of 52% from the field, 40% from beyond the arc, and 83% from the free throw line last season.
Olynyk had just recently joined the Wizards from the New Orleans Pelicans in a trade involving CJ McCollum and Jordan Poole two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, the acquisition of 22-year-olds Branham and Wesley gives the Wizards more young talent as they continue rebuilding their roster.
Branham was the 20th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, while Wesley was selected 25th overall in the same year./PN
