The trades are flocking in now, just two days removed from the Oklahoma City Thunder claiming their first NBA title. The Washington Wizards have traded Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey, and the 40th pick in this year’s NBA Draft to the New Orleans Pelicans for CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, and a future second-round pick.
The 6-11 forward/center recently had a “minimally invasive” surgery on his left heel back at the end of April after missing the final three games of the 2024-25 regular season due to left Achilles tendinosis. He’s expected to be out for about two to three more months, which means that he should be ready for training camp in the fall.
In his 12th NBA season, Olynyk averaged 8.7 points on a 50.0 field goal percentage. 41.8 three-point percentage and 76.9 free throw percentage. He also chipped in 4.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists through 44 games played.
Olynyk has turned into a journeyman, joining his eighth NBA team and his fourth since 2024. For now, he’ll be teaming up with fellow Zag Corey Kispert in D.C., but rumors have been circulating for a while that he could be on the trading block as well.
Speaking of Kispert, the man with the flow will be back in Spokane this weekend for the world’s largest 3x3 basketball tournament, Spokane Hoopfest. He will be signing autographs at the Dick’s Sporting Goods booth at 1 p.m. PT. After that, he’ll be judging the dunk contest at 2 p.m. PT.
**Arden Cravalho** is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area... Follow him on Twitter @a\_cravalho