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

Feb 3, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (13) helps forward/center John Collins (20) up from the court against the Utah Jazz during the first half at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (13) helps forward/center John Collins (20) up from the court against the Utah Jazz during the first half at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
PASAY, PHILIPPINES – SEPTEMBER 8: Kelly Olynyk of Team Canada reacts during the Semi-Final match between Team Canada and Team Serbia at FIBA World Cup 2023 in Mall of Asia Arena, Philippines on September 08, 2023. (Photo by Dante Dennis Diosina Jr II/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
PASAY, PHILIPPINES – SEPTEMBER 8: Kelly Olynyk of Team Canada reacts during the Semi-Final match between Team Canada and Team Serbia at FIBA World Cup 2023 in Mall of Asia Arena, Philippines on September 08, 2023. (Photo by Dante Dennis Diosina Jr II/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) /

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.