The San Antonio Spurs have made a significant move in the NBA offseason by acquiring Kelly Olynyk from the Washington Wizards. This trade, reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, involves the Spurs sending Malaki Branham, Blake Wesley, and a 2026 second-round pick to the Wizards in exchange for the versatile big man. This acquisition marks another strategic step for the Spurs as they look to bolster their frontcourt depth and versatility.
The Trade Details
According to the report, the San Antonio Spurs have traded Malaki Branham, Blake Wesley, and a 2026 second-round pick to the Washington Wizards in return for Kelly Olynyk. Olynyk, a 34-year-old veteran, has had a well-traveled career, most recently splitting the 2024-2025 season between the Toronto Raptors and the New Orleans Pelicans. He averaged 8.7 points per game and achieved a career-best 41.8% shooting from beyond the arc.
Kelly Olynyk: A Versatile Addition
Olynyk brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the Spurs’ roster. Standing at 6-foot-11, he is known for his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and provide a different dimension to the team’s frontcourt. This addition complements the recent signing of Luke Kornet, a 7-foot-2 center who signed a four-year, $41 million deal with the Spurs. Kornet, known for his rim protection and finishing abilities, offers a contrasting skill set to Olynyk’s.
The Impact on the Spurs’ Roster
The acquisition of Olynyk adds depth and versatility to the Spurs’ frontcourt, providing coach Gregg Popovich with more options behind or alongside star center Victor Wembanyama. Olynyk’s ability to shoot from the perimeter and create mismatches will be valuable, especially in a league where floor spacing is crucial. His experience and skill set will also be beneficial in mentoring younger players and contributing to the team’s overall development.
The Wizards’ Perspective
For the Washington Wizards, this trade continues their strategy of acquiring young talent who may struggle to find minutes on contending teams. Malaki Branham, the No. 20 pick in the 2022 draft, and Blake Wesley, selected five picks later, both had limited roles with the Spurs last season. Branham averaged 5.0 points in 47 games, while Wesley contributed 3.7 points in 11.8 minutes per game. The Wizards now have 11 players who were drafted in the first round over the past four drafts, including their 2025 selections Tre Johnson and Will Riley.
Future Moves for the Wizards
With the acquisition of Branham, Wesley, and other young players, the Wizards now have a roster that exceeds the league’s limit. This situation means that Washington will likely make additional moves to trim their roster to the permissible size. The 2026 second-round pick involved in the trade is reportedly the least favorable among those held by Dallas, Philadelphia, and Oklahoma City, according to Charania.
FAQ
Who is Kelly Olynyk?
Kelly Olynyk is a 34-year-old professional basketball player known for his versatility as a big man. He has played for several NBA teams, including the Toronto Raptors and the New Orleans Pelicans, and most recently with the Washington Wizards. Olynyk is recognized for his ability to shoot from the perimeter and provide floor spacing.
What did the San Antonio Spurs give up in the trade?
The Spurs traded Malaki Branham, Blake Wesley, and a 2026 second-round pick to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Kelly Olynyk.
Why did the Wizards trade Olynyk?
The Wizards are focused on accumulating young talent who may not find significant playing time on contending teams. Trading Olynyk allows them to add more young players to their roster, such as Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley.
How does this trade impact the Spurs’ frontcourt?
The acquisition of Kelly Olynyk adds depth and versatility to the Spurs’ frontcourt. His ability to shoot from the perimeter complements the skill set of recently signed center Luke Kornet, providing coach Gregg Popovich with more strategic options.
What are the future implications for the Wizards?
The Wizards now have a roster that exceeds the league’s limit, necessitating additional moves to trim their roster size. They will likely explore trades or waivers to achieve compliance with the league’s roster regulations.
Conclusion
The trade of Kelly Olynyk to the San Antonio Spurs represents a strategic move aimed at enhancing the team’s frontcourt versatility and depth. Olynyk’s experience and shooting ability will be valuable assets for the Spurs as they look to build a competitive roster around their young core. Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards continue their strategy of accumulating young talent, positioning themselves for future development and potential trades. This trade highlights the dynamic nature of the NBA offseason, where teams continuously seek to optimize their rosters in pursuit of success.