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Boston Celtics Rumors: Why old friend Kelly Olynyk is an ideal trade target

By Alan Nahigian

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 03: Kelly Olynyk #41 of the Utah Jazz shoots during the first half of a game against the Atlanta Hawks at Vivint Arena on February 03, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 03: Kelly Olynyk #41 of the Utah Jazz shoots during the first half of a game against the Atlanta Hawks at Vivint Arena on February 03, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics started the season on a 21-5 run through their first 26 games. They’ve cooled down a little bit lately, going 16-11 in their next 27 games. No need to panic fans! But maybe the Celtics need a little bit more support to get back to the NBA Finals this year.

That’s where the NBA trade deadline comes into play. The actual deadline is Thursday, February 9 and you can bet that the Celtics will be lurking around to make a move to increase their depth. So why not look back to an old friend for help?

I’m talking about Jazz forward Kelly Olynyk. The former Gonzaga forward is one name that has shown up on the Celtics radar. So could the Celtics make the call to bring back old friend Kelly Olynyk? Let’s discuss.

The Boston Celtics had Kelly Olynyk in the organization before

The good thing about Olynyk is that he’s been in the Celtics organization before.

Who could ever forget Olynyk’s memorable 26 point performance in the 2017 Eastern Conference Semifinals in game 7 against the Washington Wizards? That was one of the best single game performances in the Brad Stevens coaching era.

Sometimes, familiarity is a good thing for a team. Brad is obviously familiar with what “Kelly O” can do on the court. A guy that can shoot well from the outside and give you some rebounding.

Kelly Olynyk brings the Boston Celtics more shooting off the bench

The Celtics could use more shooting off the bench. Danilo Gallinari is battling to make it back by the end of the season. Sam Hauser is a guy that is losing more and more minutes by the given game. This is where the 6’11 big man could be extremely valuable for this Celtics team.

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This season with the Utah Jazz, Olynyk is shooting 40 percent from three point land. 40 percent from deep! That can add to the likes of Malcolm Brogdon and Grant Williams coming off the bench. Not to mention that Olynyk is shooting close to 49 percent from the overall field.

Having a big like “Kelly O” off the bench who can shoot and rebound to his ability is a huge plus.

The bottom line with Kelly Olynyk and the Boston Celtics

The familiarity factor and the overall effectiveness of Kelly Olynyk make him an ideal trade target for the upcoming trade deadline.

This Celtics team cannot stand put with what they have currently. They show that they are disinterested at times and go through the motions in some games.

Adding somebody like Olynyk into the mix can be a spark for this group to get them back to where they want to be: the NBA Finals.

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It won’t be easy getting through the East with the likes of Philadelphia and Milwaukee breathing down the Celtics neck. But a reinforcement like Olynyk could help with some things and maybe get rid of some garbage time players at the end of the bench. Get on the horn, Brad! Bring back game 7 Kelly and get the Celtics closer to that coveted title.

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