Kelly Olynyk’s NBA run appears to be over, and his next stop is set to be overseas.
Multiple reports say the former Gonzaga forward is nearing a deal with BC Roma in Italy, which would mark the first time since leaving Gonzaga after his All-American 2012-13 season that he is not playing in the NBA.
Olynyk spent last season in San Antonio as a backup center behind Victor Wembanyama. He played in 42 games for the Spurs and posted career lows across the board, averaging 3.2 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 8.6 minutes per game.
The 7-foot Canadian was selected No. 13 overall in the 2013 NBA draft and spent 13 seasons in the league. His path took him from four years in Boston to four years in Miami, then through Houston, Detroit, Utah, Toronto, New Orleans and San Antonio.
Over 842 regular-season games, Olynyk put up averages of 9.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 21.8 minutes per night. The source reporting notes he could still return to the NBA if a team needs a midseason injury replacement, but for now his time at that level appears to have ended.
Olynyk built a reputation as a dependable floor-spacer. He shot 36.9% from three for his career, including three seasons above 40%, and reached a career-best 41.8% in 2024-25 while splitting time between New Orleans and Toronto. He was named to the All-Rookie Second Team in 2014 and finished sixth in Sixth Man of the Year voting in 2017-18.
His efficiency numbers also stand out. His 56.9% mark on two-point field goals ranks 34th in NBA history, and his 60.1% true shooting percentage sits 41st.
If this is indeed the end of his NBA career, Olynyk leaves as Gonzaga’s all-time leader in three-pointers made with 932. He also ranks second among Bulldogs alumni in games played with 842, rebounds with 4,200 and steals with 646.
BC Roma is a new club formed earlier this year by former NBA executive Donnie Nelson, with involvement from current Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic. The team will play in Lega Basket Series A, Italy’s top league, and also compete in the EuroCup.
Roma’s roster includes several recognizable names, among them former Arizona guard Nico Mannion, former Washington guard Erik Stevenson and Gerald Ayayi, the brother of Joel Ayayi and a teammate last season with Gonzaga point guard Nathan de Sousa at Cholet in France.
Olynyk will also link up with another Canadian in Italy. Kyle Wiltjer is in his fourth straight season with Reyer Venezia.
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