Since being dealt to Houston at this season’s March 25 trade deadline, Kelly Olynyk has put up some of the best numbers of his NBA career. Entering Monday, Olynyk was averaging 18.8 points (56.8% FG, 38.0% on 3-pointers), 8.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game with the Rockets.

Those are encouraging numbers for the 6-foot-11 big man, yet for the team, there’s also the uncomfortable reality that he’s set to become a free agent after the 2020-21 season. The Rockets do have Bird rights on Olynyk’s contract to help retain him, but several key questions remain.

  • The Rockets (16-52) currently have the NBA’s worst record and don’t seem close to contending. They may need salary cap flexibility to help potentially chase elite free agents in the coming years. Does that influence the money and contract years that they’re willing to commit to Olynyk, who is 30 years old and not a superstar?
  • Now in his 30s, Olynyk has yet to win an NBA title. With his prime years in the league running short, is he willing to commit to a rebuilding club, or does he want to move to a contender?
  • Is Olynyk solely seeking the best financial offer, or will it be about a combination of finances and basketball fit? The latter could be a boost to Houston, where the on-court fit is strong. But it remains to be seen how aggressively general manager Rafael Stone will bid, financially, given the team’s potential need for cap flexibility in future years.

Some of those questions can only be answered by Stone and other representatives of team management in Houston. However, from the player’s perspective, Olynyk outlined parts of his thought process during a media availability session before Monday’s game in Portland.

By and large, Olynyk appears to be thoroughly enjoying his time with the Rockets, and he suggests that fit will indeed play a role in his upcoming decisions during 2021 free agency. Among his comments:

I’ve had a great opportunity here to play my game, and to come in and help these young guys. Inside the locker room, it’s been great for me. I’m just trying to keep being that consistent guy for this team.

It definitely factors in (with free agency decisions). Somewhere you can be yourself, and play basketball the way you’ve always played. It’s been great here. I’ve loved it. The opportunities, players, coaches — I’ve really enjoyed it. Obviously, it’s shown on the court. Hopefully, we’ll see what happens, but that definitely comes into the equation.

Money is a factor, at some point. But fit, opportunities, style of play (also factor in). Obviously, you want to win, but you also want to help somebody win. You don’t want to just go and get lost in the shuffle. You want to go and contribute, and help the team grow and win, and do something special. That all factors into it. And then you have to look at one year (on the contract) versus two, three, or four. There’s a bunch of factors that go into it. And you try and make the best decision that you can.

He also cited a strong relationship with head coach Stephen Silas. “It’s been great,” Olynyk said of playing for Silas. “He’s been awesome, welcoming me into the system and the rotation. His communication has been great, both on the court and off the court. I’ve loved playing for him. His system and his philosophies are definitely in line with mine, so it’s been great. I would definitely love to have a chance to learn, grow, and play under his system more, if the opportunity presents itself.”

As for now, Olynyk remains questionable for Monday’s game with right ankle soreness. However, his presence at the gameday shootaround would seem to suggest that he’s a candidate to play. Tipoff between the Rockets and Trail Blazers is set for 9:00 p.m. Central.