The Golden State Warriors have been held up this offseason while in contract negotiations with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga.
Despite being strongly linked to Al Horford, Gary Payton II and De’Anthony Melton, Golden State has yet to make any major moves. The Warriors’ quiet summer could push them toward the trade market as they look to maximize Stephen Curry’s championship window.
One name that has surfaced in the rumor mill recently is Kelly Oubre Jr., who is set to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Philadelphia 76ers may look into deals for the 29-year-old ahead of training camp, potentially opening up more cap space for Quentin Grimes. Oubre’s expiring $8.4 million contract makes him an appealing trade target, as he wouldn’t carry a long-term financial commitment.
MORE: Warriors get bad news on Jonathan Kuminga after Cam Thomas’ $6 million decision
Warriors linked to reunion with Kelly Oubre Jr.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report recently put together a list of the top landing spots for Oubre, tagging a reunion with the Warriors as a possibility.
“At least in theory, a downhill scoring threat like Oubre should be able to pull some defenses inward and away from shooters like Stephen Curry, Buddy Hield and Brandin Podziemski,” he wrote.
Oubre spent the 2020-21 campaign in Golden State, during which he averaged 15.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.0 steals across 30.7 minutes per game in 55 regular-season appearances. However, the Kansas product shot just 43.9 percent from the field and 31.6 percent from beyond the arc during that span.
While the team missed the playoffs that year with a 39-33 record, Golden State was also without Klay Thompson for the entire campaign. With Oubre’s ability to slash to the rim, a reunion could make sense as the Warriors search for complementary pieces around their shooters.
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