Kelly Olynyk and Ochai Agbaji will reportedly be heading from the Utah Jazz to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Otto Porter Jr., Kira Lewis and a 2024 first-round pick, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The 2024 first rounder acquired by the Jazz will be the least favorable pick of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets and Jazz.
Olynyk, a Toronto native, has averaged 8.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and a 4.4 assists per game this season in Utah. His contract is up after this season, so this gives both sides time to get to know one another before the 18-33 Raptors try to extend him in the summer.
The 14th overall draft pick in 2022 out of Kansas, has not made a big impact over his two NBA seasons. He’s averaging 6.7 points and 2.2 rebounds per game this season while shooting 33.1% from 3-point range.
Porter Jr. and Lewis have not been regulars in the Raptors’ lineup this season as injuries have hindered their chances to get in games. Porter Jr. is averaging 11.6 minutes in 15 games this season, while Lewis has played 16 total games between his time in Toronto and New Orleans.
What this brings to the Raptors:
Kelly Olynyk brings a big advantage to the Raptors offense after losing Pascal Siakam as he left and went to the Indiana Pacers because he brings the length and size. This will be a good addition for the Raptors that definitely need some size for defense/ offense
Agbaji is a second-year player, but he’s already almost 24 — he played four years in college at Kansas, improving consistently every year. In Utah, he has been more or less banished to the corners. While he’s only a middling 3-point shooter overall, he attempts a quarter of his shots from the corners and has hit in the mid-40s there both years of his career. He is one of the league’s better corner shooters. He stands 6-foot-5, which is just about average for a shooting guard.
What Otto Porter Jr and Kira Lewis can bring to the Jazz:
Kira Lewis-
Kira Lewis, the 13th overall selection in the 2020 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Pelicans, has had a tumultuous journey to reach this point. His rookie season was hampered by a condensed schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and his sophomore year was cut short by a devastating torn ACL injury. As the Pelicans fought for a playoff spot during his recovery, Lewis found himself on the sidelines, unable to contribute.
Subsequently, Lewis was traded to the Indiana Pacers and then to the Toronto Raptors as part of a package for Pascal Siakam. Despite his NBA career averages of 5.4 points, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 rebounds, with a shooting percentage of 39% from the floor and 30% from three-point range across 119 appearances, Lewis has shown flashes of brilliance. His time at Alabama, where he averaged impressive stats and demonstrated strong defensive skills, gives testament to his potential.
Otto Porter Jr- In Otto Porter Jr., the Jazz acquire a versatile forward who can contribute on both ends of the floor. Though he hasn’t played a significant role for the Raptors this season, Porter Jr.’s experience and ability to stretch the floor will provide valuable depth for the Jazz.
Who won the Trade-
We can all say it’s clear what the Raptors are trying to do here. Toronto wants to build a solid team around Scottie Barnes and try to compete moving forward. Olynyk is certainly a solid frontcourt partner to play with. He’ll be the backup center for the Raptors behind Jakob Poeltl and is a good floor spacer and crafty offensive option to have next to Scottie Barnes. He’ll enter free agency this offseason, though, so the Raptors will have to work to retain him. He’ll certainly have a market.
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