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Raptors get Canadian centre Olynyk, Agbaji from Jazz ahead of NBA trade deadline

Feb 8, 2024 | 11:21 AM

TORONTO — Guard Ochai Agbaji and Canadian centre Kelly Olynyk are coming to the Toronto Raptors.

Olynyk and Agbaji being sent from the Utah Jazz to Toronto ahead of the NBA’s trade deadline, a person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press.

Guard Kira Lewis Jr., forward Otto Porter Jr., and a 2024 first-round pick are being sent to Utah in return.

Toronto holds three first-round picks in this summer’s draft. ESPN reports that the lowest of them will be sent to the Jazz as part of the deal for Olynyk and Agbaji.

Olynyk, born in Toronto but raised in Kamloops, B.C., was the captain of Canada’s bronze-medal winning team at the FIBA World Cup this past fall.

He is part of its core of players that have committed to playing at the Paris Olympics in July.

Olynyk is averaging 8.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists this season. Agbaji, the 14th pick in the 2022 NBA draft, is averaging 5.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 0.9 assists.

Porter is averaging 2.6 points, 1.9 rebounds and 0.5 assists this season. The 30-year-old veteran forward has been snake-bitten since signing with Toronto on a two-year deal in July 2022.

He underwent season-ending surgery on his left foot after playing only eight games last season. He missed several weeks in early January with a knee injury this season and hasn’t played since he returned from injury.

Lewis only played in one game with Toronto — earning a personal foul in 1:33 of playing time — after he was sent to the Raptors on Jan. 17 as part of the deal that moved all-star forward Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers. Lewis is averaging 2.8 points, 1.1 assists and 0.9 rebounds over 16 games this season.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 8, 2024.

The Canadian Press