It's one of the great stories of the season. Born in Toronto, son of former Raptors employees, Kelly Olynyk came full circle with his transfer from Utah to Toronto. Better, a month after his arrival, he has just been rewarded with a contract extension of $26 million over two years.
“It’s nice to replant roots, and I’m really enjoying being home and helping this franchise get back to where it’s been,” explained the bronze medalist at the last World Cup. “They set up a trade for me, they wanted me to come here. I just want to return the favor and show them that I want to be here, too. I've wanted to be here since I was four years old…I hope I'll be here for the rest of my career. »
Free agent, Kelly Olynyk wanted to quickly decide on his future, and he did not try to raise the stakes and wait until July. For what ? Because his priority is to play the Olympic Games in Paris.
A role of “glue guy” among young people
“It played a big role” he recognizes. “Training camp with Canada starts a little before free agency… Not having to take care of all that, being able to play with a free mind, being able to train and be present from the start, it's a important factor. »
Then, next fall, it will be time to think about his first full season with the Raptors, and that goal of getting them back to the top.
“We have a lot of talented players in this squad, a lot of young talent who are trying to find their way and their place in the league. My experience and my versatility can help to highlight these elements and weld them together. It is obvious that the welcome and the return home were extraordinary and that being at home, on home soil, was a real chance. Now, we must continue to build, progress and improve every day on an individual and collective level. It’s just about getting back to the level we had.”
