The best teams in the NBA are versatile. They’ve got a roster full of players who can co-exist interchangeably. At the same time, if a player is talented enough, he may be worth sacrificing some of the versatility.
Take Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings. He doesn’t lend himself to roster versatility. It takes a certain type of player to work alongside Sabonis.
Ideally, he plays alongside shooters and defenders. Yet, Sabonis is a talented enough playmaker to make those concessions worthwhile.
Still, the Kings need to maximize the versatility of the rest of their roster. In particular, they could use a reliable stretch big man who can play both next to Sabonis and behind him.
How about Kelly Olynyk of the Utah Jazz?
NBA Trade Proposal: Sacramento Kings Land Utah Jazz’s Kelly Olynyk
Utah Jazz Receive: F/C Trey Lyles, G/F Chris Duarte, 2025 Second-Round Pick (SAC), 2027 Second-Round Pick (SAC), 2029 Second-Round Pick (SAC)
Sacramento Kings Receive: F/C Kelly Olynyk
Can the Kings become one of the best teams in the NBA? That’s an interesting question. They’ve certainly been one of the best offensive teams in the league for a couple of seasons.
Yet, some will suggest that this team has a glass ceiling. That starts with Sabonis. During last year’s playoffs, the Golden State Warriors exploited him on both ends of the floor.
As talented as he is, his limited lateral mobility makes it a challenge for him to defend the pick-and-roll. Can Sacramento compensate for that limitation? Time will tell.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kelly Olynyk, Utah Jazz, Sacramento Kings Updates
One thing is certain – the Kings need to advance past the first round in this year’s playoffs. If they can’t, they’ll be panned as regular-season performers.
Does adding Olynyk help them advance in the postseason?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do The Deal
You may be asking yourself a question. Isn’t Lyles a stretch combo big? Why are the Kings sinking assets into a player type that they already have?
It’s not complicated. Olynyk is better than Lyles. He’s a better shooter, defender and playmaker. This is a simple upgrade for the Kings.
Olynyk is a valuable rotation player who should make them a better team – in the regular season and the playoffs. They shouldn’t mind paying this price, either.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kelly Olynyk, Utah Jazz, Sacramento Kings Updates
Duarte has been underwhelming during his first season in Sacramento. A trio of second-round picks isn’t a cost that should scare off a title hopeful like the Kings.
Should that be enough for the Jazz to part with Olynyk?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
The Kings may be on the cusp of title contention. The Jazz are far removed from any championship hopes. They’ve been one of the worst teams in the NBA this season.
The Jazz should be sellers leading up to the team’s deadline. With that said, Olynyk is a good player. It’s possible that Utah could find a better deal than this one.
They should take it if they can get a protected first-rounder for Olynyk. Yet, in the league’s current market, we wouldn’t count on it. Otherwise, a trio of second-round picks should be enough for them.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kelly Olynyk, Utah Jazz, Sacramento Kings Updates
Duarte is young enough to be a sensible addition to a team that should be rebuilding as well. As the Jazz move forward, they should emphasize versatility – that’s what the great teams do.
