Everyone loves a reunion. Yet, a reunion has to make sense. That’s true in the NBA as well. We love to see a player return to a team – but it has to make sense.
Specifically, the team has to need the player. Acquiring someone for sentimental reasons isn’t viable. An NBA team should seek the players that they need – if they happened to play for them in the past, that’s a bonus.
What do the Boston Celtics need? They could use some front-court spacing. Boston should seek some defensive value from whoever they land as well.
Could they reunite with Kelly Olynyk of the Utah Jazz?
NBA Trade Proposal: Boston Celtics Land Utah Jazz’s Kelly Olynyk
Utah Jazz Receive: G Payton Pritchard, G Dalano Banton
Boston Celtics Receive: F/C Kelly Olynyk
Yet, there are reasons why a reunion could be practical that go beyond sentimentality. When a player has been on a team before, they’ve got some understanding of their culture.
They’ve got corporate knowledge – as long as things haven’t changed too much, that is. The Celtics have enjoyed relative continuity. Yes, Brad Stevens moved from the bench to the front office.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kelly Olynyk, Boston Celtics, Utah Jazz Updates
Still, the point holds – Stevens is one of the most prominent voices in the organization. Olynyk knows what he wants. Yet, that’s not reason enough to acquire Olynyk. As with any decision, the Celtics have several factors to consider.
Do they need Olynyk more than they need Pritchard?
Why The Boston Celtics Do The Deal
It’s fair to say that Boston will miss Pritchard. He’s the third guard in their rotation. With that said, he’s a shooting specialist who can be largely replaced on the buyout market.
On the other hand, Olynyk is more impactful. He’s a floor-spacing combo big who can provide some defense value as well. He’ll improve Boston’s positional versatility in a significant way.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kelly Olynyk, Boston Celtics, Utah Jazz Updates
He’ll also allow them to provide Kristaps Porzingis with some rest. The Celtics have leaned heavily into Porzingis this year, and he’s got a history of getting injured. Olynyk can replicate some of his skills.
Should the Jazz move on from this useful player?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
Pritchard is younger than Olynyk. It’s roughly that simple. The Jazz should be rebuilding. With that in mind, they should be looking for younger players.
So, taking a flier on Banton makes sense as well. He’s struggled in his NBA career, but he’s got potential. Banton is a 6’9 ball handler with some floor vision. Utah might as well see what he can do with a larger role.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kelly Olynyk, Boston Celtics, Utah Jazz Updates
Could they get draft capital for Olynyk? Sure – but they won’t get Pritchard. If he’s a player that the Jazz like, they should make this deal. They’ll simply help Olynyk and the Celtics reunite in the process.
