Olynyk says signing extension with Raptors was a priority

— Once Kelly Olynyk was traded from the Utah Jazz to the Toronto Raptors, he knew he had to sign an extension with his hometown team.

The 32-year-old Olynyk, who was born in Toronto and moved to Kamloops when he was an adolescent, signed a two-year contract extension with the Raptors on Monday. Although the six-foot-11 centre could have tested free agency this summer and possibly got a longer or more lucrative deal, he chose to get an extension done quickly to stay in Toronto.

“They traded for me, they wanted me here. Just to reciprocate that love and show that I do want to be here, too,” said Olynyk, who was dealt to the Raptors on Feb. 8. “I’ve wanted to be here since I was four years old so it’s special.

“I wanted to create that trust and that bond.

“Hopefully, I can be here for the rest of my career.”

Details of Olynyk’s extension were not announced, but ESPN reported it was a two-year deal worth $26.25 million US.

He is averaging 8.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 20.4 minutes in 59 games this season with Utah and Toronto. Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic said that he is ecstatic with the signing.

“I think that he’s the right guy for our team, the right fit,” said Rajakovic. “Him coming back home — it’s a great story for you guys, as well — I think it’s amazing and I think it’s the right fit.”

It’s expected that Olynyk will see more playing time, and consequently have his stat averages go up, with starting centre Jakob Poeltl missing an unknown amount of time with a dislocated finger.

“I think we have a lot of talent on this roster, a lot of young talent, that’s trying to find their way and their niche in the league,” Olynyk said.