The J-Notes
Fansided

Contract Extension candidates for the Utah Jazz in 2023-24

By Dan Lower

Kelly Olynyk and Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz.
Kelly Olynyk and Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz. /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – APRIL 06: Kelly Olynyk #41 of the Utah Jazz in action during the first half of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Vivint Arena on April 06, 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 – APRIL 06: Kelly Olynyk #41 of the Utah Jazz in action during the first half of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Vivint Arena on April 06, 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) /

Kelly Olynyk

The acquisition of Olynyk last September turned into a steal for the Jazz, as he solidified the frontcourt and provided a stabilizing veteran presence during the 2022-23 season.  Shooting a solid 39% from 3-point range, he was a valuable player in starting all 68 games he played in the season.

With the Jazz’s offseason pickup of John Collins, however, Olynyk may be relegated to a reserve role in 2023-24 and find himself backing up all 3 frontcourt spots at times. The addition of Omer Yurtseven could also take some minutes from Olynyk.  And the Jazz still needs to find minutes for Simone Fontecchio, Taylor Hendricks, and possibly Micah Potter so something will have to give.

Considering the uncertainty of what role Kelly Olynyk will play in the rotation going into the 2023-24 season, the best bet for the Jazz would be to wait and see about a contract extension for Olynyk at this time, until they find out how Collins, Markkanen, and Kessler play together and how the depth chart will shake out. If Olynyk has a great camp and the youngsters struggle, he may yet have the upper hand for playing time off the bench. But it’s hard to see a scenario where he starts 68 games like he did a season ago.

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