In a significant roster change on July 8, 2025, the San Antonio Spurs secured Kelly Olynyk in a trade aimed at strengthening their frontcourt alongside their star Victor Wembanyama. This move addresses the critical need for a reliable frontcourt partner to share the burden of the 7’4″ phenom, offering him valuable support on both ends of the court.
The Spurs exchanged Malaki Branham, Blake Wesley, and a 2026 second-round draft pick to the Washington Wizards for Olynyk, a veteran Canadian big man known for his shooting and playmaking skills. This trade not only brings a dependable shooter to space the floor but also provides Wembanyama with a seasoned teammate who can help mitigate defensive focus and fatigue.
Expert Praise Highlights Olynyk’s Fit with Spurs’ Star
Antonio Daniels, a former Spur and current Pelicans analyst, enthusiastically endorsed the acquisition, drawing high comparisons to the legendary Tim Duncan. Daniels emphasized Olynyk’s intelligence and versatility, saying,
“Smart, great passer, good on lobs, high basketball IQ. Very crafty to offset limited speed and athleticism.”
—Antonio Daniels, Pelicans Analyst and Former Spur
He further praised Olynyk’s ability to integrate with dominant players, adding,
“Pels’ best big man playing next to Zion.”
—Antonio Daniels, Pelicans Analyst and Former Spur
This commendation underlines the expectation that Olynyk will harmonize well with Wembanyama’s unique style, allowing the Spurs to build a more balanced and effective lineup.
Trade Details and Strategic Impact
The Spurs parted with promising young guards Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley plus a future draft asset to acquire Olynyk. The Wizards, immersed in a rebuilding phase, welcomed the young guards who have yet to carve out stable roles amid a crowded backcourt led by De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle.
Sports analyst Yossi Gozlan highlighted the limited opportunities for Branham and Wesley in San Antonio, stating,
“Neither Malaki Branham nor Blake Wesley was going to be in the rotation for the Spurs.”
—Yossi Gozlan, Sports Commentator
Kelly Olynyk, who arrived in Washington as part of a package deal involving Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey trades, barely unpacked there before heading to San Antonio, illustrating the Spurs’ determination to upgrade their frontline quickly.
Strengthening Victor Wembanyama’s Frontcourt Support System
Victor Wembanyama’s first season highlighted his immense talent but also revealed the strain of bearing heavy responsibilities without a reliable supporting big man. The lack of consistent lob targets, outside shooting, or a dependable frontcourt partner put additional pressure on Wemby, often forcing him into short-handed defensive and offensive roles.
With Olynyk joining forces alongside Luke Kornet, the Spurs now possess depth and veteran savvy in the frontcourt. Olynyk’s 11 years of experience, playoff history, and efficient shooting—he shot a scorching 42% from three last season—make him an ideal complement to Wembanyama. He averaged nearly 13 points and 6 rebounds per game last year, showcasing reliable production without requiring excessive touches.
This addition aims to relieve Wembanyama from excessive defensive attention and open up more offensive options for San Antonio’s evolving squad.
What the Trade Means for Washington and Future Prospects
For the Wizards, acquiring Branham and Wesley supports their youth movement as they rebuild. Branham, who started 32 games as a rookie, demonstrated scoring ability despite limited minutes recently. Wesley, while more raw, offers potential upside if he develops a consistent shooting touch.
The 2026 second-round pick included in the trade gives the Wizards a future asset in a draft class where their pick will be the least favorable among Dallas, Philadelphia, or Oklahoma City— a modest but reasonable price given the Spurs’ intent to enhance their immediate competitiveness.
Olynyk’s Versatility Adds Tactical Flexibility to Spurs
Kelly Olynyk’s ability to play both the power forward and center positions introduces tactical versatility for San Antonio’s coaching staff. He can serve as a floor-spacer beside Wembanyama or lead the second unit as an experienced anchor. Olynyk’s proficiency in shooting, passing, and screening helps maintain offensive flow without demanding extensive ball handling, a rare and valuable quality for big men.
This flexibility allows the Spurs to experiment with different lineups and defensive schemes, providing more options to optimize performance and reduce pressure on younger players like Wembanyama.
Spurs’ Clear Shift Toward Competitive Growth
The move to acquire Olynyk signals a decisive change in the Spurs’ strategy, moving away from tanking and relying solely on developing young talent. By investing in experienced players who can effectively support Wembanyama, San Antonio is positioning itself to contend more seriously in the coming season.
This trade is the first clear indication that the Spurs intend to leverage their potential star while surrounding him with the right pieces to maximize his impact, protecting their “unicorn” by creating a stable and functional team environment.
Looking Ahead: How Olynyk Could Influence the Spurs’ Success
With Kelly Olynyk joining the roster, expectations rise that the Spurs will see immediate improvements in spacing, decision making, and defensive cohesion. Wembanyama’s workload should decrease as Olynyk absorbs some offensive and defensive duties, potentially leading to better efficiency and fewer late-game fatigue issues.
The team’s ability to integrate Olynyk quickly will be crucial, but his veteran presence and playoff experience bode well for a smooth transition. If he can consistently hit perimeter shots and facilitate offense, the Spurs will have a new dimension to their game that could alter their trajectory in the fiercely competitive Western Conference.
Ultimately, this trade may mark a turning point for the Spurs and a hopeful new chapter for Victor Wembanyama’s NBA journey.