3 Utah Jazz players who have the most to gain or lose this season

Kelly Olynyk

Kelly Olynyk is coming off of a mostly up, but sometimes down World Cup run with Team Canada. He started for the team, and played as the team’s universal utility tool; able to rebound, score, or assist the team in any way he could. He wasn’t very assertive defensively but he’s willing to get bodied on that side of the court if it helps anything, so it’s not like he’s a hindrance defensively.

But at 32 years old, in the last year of his deal, and looking at a roster that is rapidly getting younger, it’s becoming harder and harder to see where he ends up. And we’re not talking in June or July, we’re not even talking in February. We’re talking November. Will the Jazz still retain his services as the season wears on?

This is a franchise that could both use him as a player and as a trade asset, it really all depends on their direction. That direction will be indefinitely influenced by Olynyk’s place on the court. This will likely be his last shot to land a big contract, so he’s got to go out there and prove that he’s worth something comparable to what he got the last time he was a free agent.

Otherwise, he’s going to see a severely reduced salary next season.