NBA Trade Rumors: Celtics, Heat to fight over high-coveted stretch-big at deadline?

NBA Trade Rumors: The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics are two teams that could be fighting over Kelly Olynyk at the NBA Trade Deadline.

More than a quarter of the way into the 2023-24 NBA season, the contenders and pretenders in both conferences are already beginning to separate themselves from the rest of the competition. Two teams that are expected to factor in who wins the Eastern Conference this season are the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics.

The Heat and Celtics have met in the Eastern Conference Finals in three of the last four years. Quite frankly, it wouldn't be surprising if the two teams ended up meeting with an NBA Finals appearance on the line for a fourth time in five years. However, in the next couple of months leading to the NBA Trade Deadline, both teams will be looking to add a final piece ahead of the stretch run.

The Heat and Celtics may have very different needs at this point in their builds, but there is one similarity between the two squads - and that's the fact that they both have had their eye on Kelly Olynyk.

According to recent reporting, both the Heat and Celtics could be coveted a reunion with Olynyk. Heading into the trade deadline, he's one of the bigs that could be highly sought-after due to his versatility on the offensive end of the floor.

What Kelly Olynyk can offer to a contender

As a soon-to-be 33-year-old, Olynyk is no longer in the prime of his career. However, that doesn't mean that he can't be a core contributor for a contender. Especially if a contender is in the market for depth in the frontcourt.

Playing a much smaller role this season with the Utah Jazz, Olynyk is averaging eight points, six rebounds, and four assists on 59 percent shooting from the field and 49 percent shooting from 3-point range. With these types of shooting efficiencies, it's no surprise that both the Celtics and Heat would be intrigued by the idea of adding Olynyk.

In the final year of his contract, it would be somewhat shocking if the Jazz didn't elect to move Olynyk at the trade deadline. Especially considering how his role with the team has diminished compared to last season.

The question is, which is the contender that will win the bidding war for Olynyk at the trade deadline? We know the Heat and Celtics will be in the thick of such a move.