In a bold offseason move, the San Antonio Spurs have acquired veteran big man Kelly Olynyk from the Washington Wizards in exchange for guards Malaki Branham, Blake Wesley, and a 2026 second-round draft pick. The trade, first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN, adds another skilled stretch-five to San Antonio’s growing frontcourt rotation, while Washington continues its youth-focused rebuild with added flexibility.
Kelly Olynyk joins Victor Wembanyama-led San Antonio Spurs in strategic roster overhaul
Kelly Olynyk is on the move again, his third trade in five months. After brief stints with Toronto, New Orleans, and most recently Washington, the 34-year-old Canadian now finds himself in San Antonio. Now, he’ll play alongside rising phenom Victor Wembanyama and recent free-agent addition Luke Kornet.
“The Washington Wizards are trading Kelly Olynyk to the San Antonio Spurs for Malaki Branham, Blake Wesley and a 2026 second-round pick (least favorable of Dallas, Philadelphia, Oklahoma City),” reported Shams Charania on X.
He added, “The deal gives the Spurs another stretch big after the free agent signing of Luke Kornet, and Washington receives two more young players as the Wizards continue to add some talent this offseason with potential for increased opportunity along with an expected later second-rounder.”
Olynyk brings with him valuable experience and a versatile game. Last season, he averaged 8.7 points and 4.7 rebounds while shooting an impressive 41.8% from beyond the arc. Despite playing just 44 games due to injury, he proved to be a better defender than expected and a steady presence on both ends of the floor. He now joins a Spurs team that’s actively retooling around Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox.
For the Wizards, the return centers around two former first-round picks in Branham and Wesley. While their development stalled in San Antonio, a fresh start in Washington could offer more opportunity. Still, the Wizards’ backcourt is crowded with names like Marcus Smart, CJ McCollum, and recent draftees Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper. The trade also creates a $13 million trade exception for Washington and saves them approximately $5 million, depending on final structuring.