Former San Antonio Spurs forward Kelly Olynyk has officially left the NBA, signing with BC Roma in Italy's Lega Basket Serie A. The 13-year veteran confirmed the move on Saturday, finalizing the next chapter of his career abroad. This transition occurs as his former team is surging, having just secured a 127-113 victory over the Golden State Warriors on April 2, 2026, part of a perfect 5-0 run.
Olynyk is awaiting his visa and will join the Italian capital club soon. BC Roma head coach Alessandro Magro expressed clear excitement about adding the experienced big man. "We're delighted with the new signing," Magro said. "He's a player who needs no introduction." Magro believes Olynyk's NBA resume will let him fit into the system immediately.
The club, co-founded by former Dallas Mavericks executive Donnie Nelson and Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic, is making its Serie A debut. Olynyk will join a roster featuring other former NBA players like Nico Mannion and Marko Simonovic, plus prospects like Trentyn Flowers. His skill set as a floor-spacing big who averaged 9.8 points and 2.4 assists in the NBA is a direct match for modern European basketball.
Olynyk's departure closes a brief but notable chapter with the Spurs. He was linked to a potential return to San Antonio this offseason. However, bringing him back would have pushed the Spurs over the NBA's luxury tax threshold. The front office opted for a different direction, a decision that looks sharp given the team's current form.
The Spurs' recent results speak for themselves. Their five-game win streak includes dominant performances like a 129-114 win over the Chicago Bulls on March 31 and a 127-95 rout of the Milwaukee Bucks on March 28. They've been scoring at a blistering pace, putting up 136 points against the Miami Heat and 134 against the Indiana Pacers.
In a statement released by his new club, Olynyk shared his enthusiasm. "I'm very happy with this opportunity and to be part of the BC Roma project," Olynyk said. "I can't wait to arrive in Rome, meet my new teammates, and start working with the team. I'm excited about this new experience." His comments mark a clean break from the NBA after 842 regular-season games.
His journey began as the 13th overall pick in the 2013 draft, traded from Dallas to Boston. Stops with Miami, Houston, Detroit, Utah, Toronto, and New Orleans followed before his tenure with the Spurs. A reliable shooter, he hit 36.9% from three-point range for his career. While Golden State considered him this summer, they instead signed Georges Niang for a small-ball role. Olynyk's next challenge is in Rome, as the Spurs continue their hot streak without him.
