Kelly Olynyk is a veteran Canadian stretch‑five (6′11″) who has played for several NBA teams. As of February 2025, he’s with the New Orleans Pelicans, previously on the Raptors on a two‑year extension worth about $26M
Known for his high IQ, passing ability, and three‑point shooting (career ~37–43%), he also brings experience and playmaking as a backup or spot‑starter (si.com).
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and multiple sources, the Warriors engaged in “very serious conversations” with the Utah Jazz about acquiring Olynyk during the 2024 trade deadline (si.com).
Those talks nearly closed, but ultimately Utah traded him to Toronto in a different deal (si.com).
HoopsHype, RealGM, and Yahoo Sports named the Warriors among several teams (plus Heat and Sixers) pursuing him (hoopshype.com).
- In late 2024, Raptors fans and NBA rumor mills continued suggesting Golden State link-ups .
- Into early 2025, insiders like Jake Fischer and Zach Buckley reiterated Olynyk was still “absolutely on the open market” and remained a realistic target — thanks to his mid‑level contract and spacing skill set (si.com).
- Floor‑spacing backup big – Olynyk’s ability to shoot threes opens up the paint for Steph/Greens’ actions .
- Affordable salary – With roughly $9M left on his deal after trade, Hills fit into Golden State’s budget without costing future draft capital .
- High basketball IQ – Known for subtle playmaking from the 5‑spot, screening and passing—attributes Steve Kerr values (reddit.com).
- 2024 Deadline: Though close, deal fell through. Utah sent Olynyk to Toronto instead (si.com).
- Post‑Deadline: Toronto rolled him into a trade involving Bruce Brown Jr. to New Orleans in Feb 2025 (reddit.com).
- Current: The Pelicans own his contract, and while his role’s limited (~15 min/game), he’s still ringing up solid shooting numbers (~42% from deep) .
- Could the Warriors revisit?
- Still fits the profile: veteran stretch‑five, mid‑level money, familiar with Kerr’s style.
- But Golden State has other options (e.g., rim‑running bigs) and emerging young centers like Quinten Post (heavy.com).
- Raptors are rebuilding, Pelicans may explore moves — so Olynyk could be shopp ed again.
The Warriors saw Olynyk as a low-risk, role-enhancing addition — a sharp shooter who could space the floor behind Steph Curry and share playmaking responsibilities. Their interest was serious and sustained, spanning from February 2024 into early 2025.
However, that chase never materialized into a deal. Utah opted to package him to Toronto, and Toronto then shifted him to New Orleans. Today, Golden State appears poised to pursue other roster needs—though Olynyk’s fit and affordability leave the door open to future talks, especially if the Pelicans decide he’s expendable.
If you’d like a full breakdown—say, Olynyk’s stat trends, salary cap mechanics, potential trade scenarios—or want me to expand to ~2000 words, just say the word!
