Olynyk re-signs for two years
Deal reportedly worth $26.25M; hand surgery might end Barnes’ season
The Raptors like what they’ve seen from Canadian centre Kelly Olynyk since a deadline-day trade, and will pay to see more over the next two seasons.
But fans might not see all-star Scottie Barnes for the rest of this season after surgery Monday to repair his fractured left hand. Barnes was hurt in the first half of Friday’s home loss to the Golden State Warriors and listed as out indefinitely.
Earlier, the Raptors announced a multi-year contract extension with Olynyk. The team did not announce details, but ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported the deal is worth $26.25 million (U.S.) over two years, the maximum the 32-year-old Olynyk was eligible for on an extension. He’s earning roughly $12 million in the final season of his current deal.
Last month, the Raptors acquired Olynyk and Ochai Agbaji from the Utah Jazz for a first-round pick in this year’s NBA draft, plus Otto Porter Jr., and Kira Lewis Jr. As reported by the Star’s Doug Smith, the Raptors had no intention of making Olynyk a deadline rental and had been close to a deal for weeks.
The six-foot-11, 240-pound Olynyk is averaging 8.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 20.4 minutes in 59 games this season.
“We’ve been a fan of Kelly’s game for a long time and are thrilled he will continue his career in Toronto,” Raptors general manager Bobby Webster said in a statement. “In addition to his unique skillset and ability to stretch the floor, Kelly is a leader and brings a veteran voice to our locker room.”
Olynyk, who was born in Toronto and moved to Kamloops, B.C. when he was in Grade 7, has career averages of 10.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 22.5 minutes in 737 games with Boston, Miami, Houston, Detroit, Utah and Toronto.
He was captain of the Canadian team that won the bronze medal and qualified for the Paris Olympics at last year’s FIBA World Cup.