NBA Rumors: Newly-Acquired Big Man Could Be Part Of Houston Rockets' New Trajectory

The Houston Rockets are trying to compete and rebuild at the same time.

However, most feel that their current cast will not be the same by the next NBA season. One of the names to watch though is Kelly Olynyk, the journeyman who initially saw as a sweetener than a player that the Rockets would keep. It appears that is not the case.

Several outlets are reporting that the Rockets see Olynyk as a key piece and someone who may come back next season.

A reason for this is that the 29-year-old can provide quality minutes and could be the guy who can work well alongside Christian Wood.

Most know that the Rockets are looking at Wood as their next big star, so having a frontline led by him and Olynyk makes a lot of sense.

But before that, the Rockets management will want to see how things turn out for the rest of the season.

Olynyk has been playing good NBA ball this season, probably the best in his career so far. He is averaging 10.9 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 48 games this season, mostly with the Miami Heat.

With the Rockets, he has played in five games, norming 18.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and a block in 27.6 minutes of action so far.

With that in mind, money matters come into mind. Olynyk previously got a four-year deal with the Heat worth $50 million. This means that he was earning $12.5 million per year, an amount the Rockets could afford.

But it would help if Houston could somehow convince the 6-foot-11 cager to lower those numbers a bit, something that could help the team rebuild.

So far, Olynyk has played for three different teams. Before being traded by the Heat to the Rockets, the Canadian spent four seasons with the Boston Celtics, where he averaged 9.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists.

The Rockets are currently 13-37, just half a game behind the cellar-dwelling Minnesota Timberwolves. They are far off, even the play-in tournament.

Houston has a lot of things to do moving forward, but Olynyk may be sticking around longer than most had initially anticipated if he keeps up his brand of play.