Boston Celtics: Kelly Olynyk floated for TPE if Cs can’t land Thomas Bryant

Kelly Olynyk could be a backup big man option for the Boston Celtics if they can’t land Thomas Bryant, who last played for the Washington Wizards and is currently choosing between the Cs and the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Detroit Pistons big man is in the second year of a three-year, $37 million contract signed last year in free agency. Olynyk’s dominant play with the Houston Rockets–who he was traded to in the same deal that sent Victor Oladipo to Miami–led to the free agent interest from the Pistons, though he proved unsuccessful in replicating that H-Town success in his first season in the ‘Motor City’.

Starting just one game in Detroit during the 2021-22 season, Olynyk’s 45/33/77.5 shooting split was a steep drop-off from his career’s highest efficiency levels. Besides his stint being a featured option on a rebuilding Rockets squad at the end of the 2020-21 season, his best days came in Heat and Boston Celtics uniforms playing for an Eastern Conference contender.

Could the Cs consider a reunion with the 31-year-old combo big? Boston.com’s Conor Roche relayed that the Celtics have eyes on Olynyk as a backup option should current Washington Wizards Thomas Bryant decide to take his talents to Tinseltown:

"“By including Daniel Theis in the trade for Brogdon, the Celtics opened a need for a third center. (The Celtics) have reportedly inquired about free-agent center Thomas Bryant. If they’re unable to land him, former Celtic and now Pistons center Kelly Olynyk’s salary fits in the trade exception.”"

The Boston Celtics could decide to hunt for a smaller target with the Evan Fournier $17.1 million TPE

It’s not a guarantee that the Boston Celtics will hunt for a target that makes as much as Kelly Olynyk does. With the acquisition of Malcolm Brogdon for Daniel Theis, Aaron Nesmith, Nik Stauskas, Malik Fitts, Juwan Morgan, and a top-12 protected 2023 Boston Celtics first-round pick from the Indiana Pacers, the Cs were able to land their big fish without touching the $17.1 million Evan Fournier TPE.

The Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach reported that Boston is “unlikely to use that to acquire another substantial piece,” so even Kelly Olynyk might be too pricey given the luxury tax ramifications. Olynyk’s teammate Cory Joseph might be a more realistic pursuit with the Fournier TPE, with Celtics PBO Brad Stevens saving the other two TPEs to use during the thick of the 2022-23 season if an unfortunate injury hits the rotation.