“I’ve Wanted To Be Here Since I Was Four Years Old:” Kelly Olynyk Comments On New Deal With Toronto

The Toronto Raptors have locked up Canadian big man Kelly Olynyk.

The Raptors signed him to a two-year, $26.25 million contract extension per Adrian Wojnarowski. 

Toronto acquired Olynyk along with Ochai Agbaji from the Utah Jazz for Otto Porter Jr., Kira Lewis and a 2024 first-round draft pick at the trade deadline.

The 32-year-old has averaged 9.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists coming off the bench for Toronto in 9 games since the trade.

Olynyk was eligible until June 30 to extend his deal. However, he decided to get a deal done with the Raptors right away. He is now under contract through the 2025-2026 season.

The veteran is excited to be in Toronto and wants to be with the Raptors for the rest of his career per TSN’s Josh Lewenberg:

“They traded for me, they wanted me here. Just to reciprocate that love and show that I do want to be here, too – I’ve wanted to be here since I was four years old. It’s special, to create that trust and that bond. Hopefully I’ll be here for the rest of my career.”

Olynyk is only hitting 26 percent of his three-point attempts with Toronto, which is down from a career-best 43 percent as a member of the Jazz this season. However, it is only a matter of time until his three-point shot comes around.

He is a true backup big man for the Raptors, someone who can step up and relieve Jakob Poeltl.

Olynyk will also be a solid veteran presence in the locker room for the young player on this team.

Now that Olynyk is locked up for the next two seasons, he can start to build some chemisty with his new teammates.

Ochai Agbaji making most of new opportunity

The other player the Raptors acquired in the deal with the Jazz is Ochai Agbaji.

He will now have a big opportunity with Barnes out of the lineup.

Agbaji was named the starter for Toronto on March 3 and he should continue to start in place of the Raptors All-Star.