Toronto Raptors center Kelly Olynyk has significant career aspirations with the franchise following the signing of a new deal.
The 6-foot-11 big man inked a two-year contract extension valued at $26.5 million just a few weeks after his acquisition through a trade from the Utah Jazz during the trade deadline.
A Canadian native born and raised in Toronto, Olynyk has expressed his desire to remain with his hometown team for the rest of his career.
"I've wanted to be here since I was four years old so it's special. I wanted to create that trust and that bond. Hopefully, I can be here for the rest of my career," the 32-year-old said.
The Raptors acquired Olynyk, alongside shooting guard Ochai Agbaji, in exchange for forward Otto Porter Jr., Kira Lewis Jr., and a 2024 first-round pick.
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Olynyk can now focus on Team Canada's bid for the Olympics
Had Olynyk not secured an extension, he would have entered free agency this summer. The extension lets him concentrate on Team Canada's pursuit of a medal in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
"[Team Canada's] training camp starts a little bit before free agency, I think. So to not have that on your plate and your mind, just be able to play free and easy and then obviously in the summer just be able to work out, train, and be present right at the start with no complications is a big factor," the former Gonzaga Bulldog added.
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