Kelly Olynyk says he's not worried about trade rumours during his annual Olynyk Klynyk this week at the TCC (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

KELLY OLYNYK

Olynyk talks about whirlwind weekend that nearly saw him traded away from Miami

Jul 3, 2019 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kelly Olynyk is sporting some of his Miami Heat gear this week at his annual Olynyk Klynyk. But he was awfully close to being shipping out of south beach and sent to the Dallas Mavericks, the team that drafted him in 2013.

“It obviously didn’t happen. It got called off or fell through, so it’s nothing now,” Olynyk told the media about the near-trade. “It is what it is. It’s a business. It’s the business side of the game, fortunate or unfortunate, however you want to look at it. But you get paid to do something you love and there’s not much to complain about in this industry, honestly.”

The deal that could’ve been ultimately fell through on Sunday in a wild weekend of NBA transactions. The Heat instead pulled the trigger on a four-team trade, all to make room for All-Star Jimmy Butler.

“It’s awesome. Jimmy’s an unbelieveable player. A real tough guy, a real hard worker. Plays both ends of the floor. An All-Star multiple years,” noted Olynyk, who’s played against Butler in the Eastern Conference in his first six years in the league. “So he’s a really good player and it’s someone that will make our team better.”

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In their wheeling and dealing over the weekend, Miami reportedly traded forward Hassan Whiteside, a similar player as Olynyk. The six-year vet, who would be entering his third season with the Heat, says that could create more opportunity if he stays.

“You never know, but hopefully the opportunities continue to grow. That’s what you’re looking fo, that’s what you’re striving for. Whether [Whiteside] is here or not, I think he got traded, it’ll open up a little space. But you’ve still got to earn your minutes and play well.”

Olynyk is hoping to be a little healthier to start next season. He only missed three games all year, despite battling knee and ankle issues. The South Kam grad averaged close to 23 minutes and 10 points a game.

“Yeah, I was a little banged up last year. Obviously in the beginning, I didn’t get the same opportunities I wanted, but I finished strong,” said Olynyk. “It’s all about seizing the opportunities when they come. For people in that league or in any league, the more minutes you play, the more production you’re going to be able to put out, hopefully.”

As for staying in Miami, Olynyk is not out of the woods yet with reports the Heat still have more pieces to make room for Butler. For now, Olynyk is enjoying being around the kids at his camp while trade rumours continue to swirl.

“It’s fine. I’m coming back for the kids. Whatever happens, the camp is going to be the same. It doesn’t change anything. It’s just giving back to these kids and giving them a good week.”