Oubre Jr. among the most coveted players ahead of the trade deadline
With the Warriors trailing by two points in the fourth quarter Tuesday night, guard Kelly Oubre Jr. swerved into the paint, encountered two defenders and elevated for a floater, using his 7-foot-3 wingspan to drop in a tying basket with 4:09 remaining.
Oubre’s shot gave the Warriors a chance late in Tuesday’s 108-98 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers at Chase Center. And though Philadelphia used a 9-0 spurt to pull away in the final moments of Golden State’s near-comeback win, Oubre’s performance showed why the Warriors may want to keep him beyond today’s trade deadline, and why other teams have been interested in acquiring him.
With Stephen Curry sidelined for the third straight game with a bruised tailbone, Oubre carried Golden State (22-22) with 24 points on 8-of-14 shooting (2 of 4 from 3-point range), 10 rebounds and three assists. His 13 points in the third quarter alone spurred the Warriors’ 40 point period and helped them erase a 24-point deficit.
After guard Jordan Poole made three free throws to tie the score, Oubre drew a foul
on 76ers forward Mike Scott and canned the free shot to give the Warriors their first lead, 75-74, with 4:38 remaining in the third quarter. However, Golden State scored just 13 points in the final period and could not pull out the win.
But for Oubre, this may have been his last game with the Warriors, who don’t play their next game, in Sacramento, until a few hours after today’s trade deadline. Oubre’s name has been the subject of constant trade chatter and it’s easy to see why.
“We’ve talked a lot about his circumstances, being a free agent, having his name tossed around,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said of Oubre. “It’s not an easy position to be in. But this is how it works. This is the NBA. He’s got an expiring deal, he plays a position of need for a lot of teams and he’s athletic and long. He’s coveted. He’s definitely coveted.
“His name is naturally going to be out there. He’s done a great job of handling everything. He’s really professional and poised and very practical. So we’ll see what happens.”
Oubre, 25, has settled into a key role for Golden State after a season-opening shooting slump. Since erupting for 40 points in a win over the Dallas Mavericks on Feb. 4, he’s averaging 18.2 points on 48.8% shooting, including 37.5% from 3-point range on high volume, 6.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists. His relentless energy on defense has made him one of the Warriors’ most consistent defenders.
The Warriors are encouraged by Oubre’s development and would welcome him back as a sixth man off the bench when Klay Thompson returns from an Achilles tear next season. But it’s unclear if Oubre, a free agent after the season, would be willing to accept such a role.
Around the league, some believe Oubre could command a salary upwards of $20 million per season. The Warriors can re-sign Oubre to any price because they have his Bird rights, but teams such as the Knicks, Mavericks and Pelicans will have the ability to sign Oubre into cap space and offer him a spot in the starting lineup.
If the Warriors are unsure they can re-sign Oubre — who was acquired in November from Oklahoma City for a top-20 protected 2021 first-round pick — it could make more sense to trade him than risk letting him walk away for nothing.
It’s well-known the Warriors are taking calls regarding Oubre. Nearly every team can use a long, athletic wing who can knock down open jumpers. Contenders such as the Heat, Nets and Nuggets could use his “3-and-D” skill set. Others such as the Hawks, Cavaliers and Magic could view a trade as an opportunity to sell Oubre on re-signing this summer. Golden State’s front office expects to field real offers up to the deadline.