Spurs add veteran stretch big Kelly Olynyk in trade with Wizards

The San Antonio Spurs have bolstered their frontcourt by acquiring veteran center/forward Kelly Olynyk from the Washington Wizards. In exchange, San Antonio sent young guards Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley, along with a 2026 second-round draft pick, to Washington, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Olynyk, a 12-year NBA veteran known for his floor-spacing skill set, shot a career-best 41.8% from deep last season while averaging 8.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists across the Raptors and Pelicans. He joins a revamped Spurs frontcourt alongside Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet, offering both versatility and experience.

Branham and Wesley, both 22-year-old first-round picks struggling for rotation time in San Antonio, head to Washington as part of the Wizards' youth rebuild; the swap also grants them the least favorable of the 2026 second-round picks held by Dallas, Philadelphia, or Oklahoma City. 

ANALYSIS: For the Spurs, Olynyk adds a veteran shooting big to complement Wembanyama’s inside presence. His ability to stretch the floor helps modernize the offense, and his contract is expiring, giving the Spurs valuable financial flexibility while reinforcing their depth. 

For the Wizards, trading Olynyk opens an opportunity for younger players and clears space as the Wizards focus on developing their core. Branham and Wesley both offer upside and draft capital to accelerate the rebuild. 

The Spurs continue their quiet, strategic offseason, prioritizing veteran depth without compromising cap control or long-term assets. Meanwhile, Washington gains future-oriented pieces in line with their youth-driven philosophy.