NBA Trade Rumors: Raptors Center Becomes Trade Candidate

The timing couldn't be better for the Toronto Raptors as they get a valued veteran back in the lineup for the first time this season. But the return of big man Kelly Olynyk isn't necessarily going to vault the Raptors into playoff contention or anything. Rather, he immediately becomes a valued trade candidate.

Kelly Olynyk back in the Raptors lineup just in time for trade season. Olynyk has battled injuries the last two years but when healthy is the kind of versatile three-point shooting big teams will be looking for.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) December 10, 2024

The NBA's trade deadline is less than two months away, and there will be plenty of teams looking for a floor-spacing big man like Olynyk. The 6'11" center returned to the lineup on Saturday and immediately went 3-for-3 from long distance and posted 13 points in just 14:28 of floor time.

The 33-year-old likes his role on the Toronto bench. “Jonathan (Mogbo) is a rookie, Ja’Kobe (Walter) is a rookie, Jamison Battle, rookie, Davion (Mitchell) is in his third, fourth year," said Olynyk. “So young but guys who play hard, play the right way.

“I think I can help them get organized, get good shots, keep the ball moving, and connect the pieces together.”

The Raptors obtained the hometown big man at last year's deadline, along with guard Ochai Agbaji from the Utah Jazz for Kira Lewis, Otto Porter and a 2024 first-round pick.

Toronto has two other big men who could make for nice trade pieces, in Jakob Poeltl who is having a career year, averaging 16 points and 11.6 rebounds, plus Chris Boucher who is also filling a nice role, off the bench.