3 Jazz players on the chopping block the Lakers could sign

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - JANUARY 26: Rudy Gay #8 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the first half of a game against the Phoenix Suns at Vivint Smart Home Arena on January 26, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - JANUARY 26: Rudy Gay #8 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the first half of a game against the Phoenix Suns at Vivint Smart Home Arena on January 26, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
(Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

3. Kelly Olynyk

I would not rule out the Utah Jazz simply buying out Kelly Olynyk at some point in the near future. While he is the player they acquired in the trade, he does not really fit in on the roster and the Jazz should have more priority in getting young players playing time.

This very well could have been a move for Utah was simply looking to save some money and get a young player in return. They saved money against the books in this package and if they buy out Olynyk they could save even more money as well.

Olynyk is under contract for one more season but his salary next season is just partially guaranteed at $3 million. For a team in the Utah Jazz that has no intentions of contending any time soon, they will be fine taking that salary hit next season in a buyout.

Olynyk is not a direct fit on the Los Angeles Lakers but he would add depth and a new dynamic to the frontcourt. He would essentially be a much better version of Wenyen Gabriel for the team that can play the four or five.

More importantly, while he is not a lights-out shooter Olynyk can shoot the three. He shot 40% from three with Miami during the 2019-20 season and shot 39% after he was traded to the Miami Heat the following year.

Sure, there are some pitfalls in his shooting, but on the Lakers, he would have plenty of players to drive and kick to him for open corner threes. It is not crazy to think that he can be a much better shooter in LA.