The San Antonio Spurs have traded Malaki Branham, Blake Wesley, and a 2026 second-rounder to the Wizards for the [services of veteran big man](https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1942732972727362004) Kelly Olynyk, according to Shams Charania. The Silver and Black just signed Luke Kornet to a four-year deal, bolstering the frontcourt next to Victor Wembanyama, and now they add another weapon to their arsenal.
Joining the Silver and Black puts the 9th team on Olynyk's resume. He's a journeyman, but a valuable one in the right situation. The front office didn't give up very much at all in the deal, considering the number of players who can handle the rock on the roster. Wesley and Branham's time in the 210 comes to an end, but their sacrifice is appreciated as Kelly adds something the Spurs needed more.
The Spurs replaced Wemby's frontcourt partners
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The Canadian center is a career 37% three-point shooter and shot 41% last season. He may not be in his prime, but he's another heady player who knows how to make the right play when he's on the floor. His last two years weren't the most impressive all around, but he was cast off after his run in Miami. Olynyk's last three teams were the Pelicans, Raptors, and Jazz. Not exactly inspiring circumstances.
He was only briefly a member of the Wizards after being thrown in a deal that facilitated Jordan Poole's arrival in New Orleans. Now, days later, he'll find himself in a much better position than he's been in since he played next to Jimmy Butler.
The main thing fans should be hoping for is health. Last season, he only played in 44 games, but he suited up for 78 and 68 games the two years before. Spurs Nation is already fed up with unreliable backups. It was no fault of his own, but [Charles Bassey was almost never healthy](https://airalamo.com/spurs-path-forward-injury-prone-player-decided). It made consistency impossible and the reliability of the second unit's defense nonexistent.
The team went from Zach Collins and Charles Bassey to Luke Kornet and Kelly Olynyk. Those are definitive upgrades based on what the Silver and Black are looking for. Both players can spend time on the floor with or without Wembanyama, bringing something different to the game. Mitch Johnson will have a versatile group to work with that he'll be able to deploy depending on the situation.
Meanwhile, they thin out their guard rotation just a bit, sending out two and only bringing back one. San Antonio now has three open roster spots, so don't expect them to be done doing business.