The Golden State Warriors took a chance by using their trade exception to acquire Kelly Oubre Jr. via trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder. He got off to a poor start to his tenure with the team but managed to put together solid stretches before being sidelined for the remainder of the NBA season due to injury.
Given the lack of a fluid fit between Oubre Jr. and the Warriors, it appears as though it would be mutually beneficial for him to sign elsewhere in NBA free agency. The market is not loaded with talent and that will create competition for Oubre Jr.’s services. Who could be among those teams?
According to Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo! Sports, the Miami Heat, New York Knicks, and San Antonio Spurs are among the teams interested in signing Kelly Oubre Jr. in NBA free agency.
“According to league sources, Miami, San Antonio and the New York Knicks are among the teams interested in Oubre in free agency, and it’s easy to see him at his best, fitting into those places.”
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During the 2020-21 season, Kelly Oubre Jr. appeared in 55 regular season games and produced averages of 15.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. He did so while going an underwhelming 31.6% from beyond the arc and 69.5% on free throws.
There will always be concerns about the lack of scoring efficiency that Oubre Jr. brings to the table. He is far from being a reliable spot-up threat since he struggles to convert against contests but will still take them. He is not consistent as an off-the-dribble shooter, either. If he plays a small ball four role, he can use his quickness advantage to get downhill.
The New York Knicks appear to be a bad fit for Oubre Jr. since they need more perimeter shooting and already have Julius Randle holding down the four spot. The Miami Heat are very much in the same situation as the Knicks in this regard.
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On the other hand, the San Antonio Spurs may be in need of replacing DeMar DeRozan and if they want to remain competitive, this would be a logical option. It would be more logical to allow younger options to get extended run but it’s still an option, nevertheless.
Whether it ends up being theMiami Heat, New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, or a different team that signs Kelly Oubre Jr. in NBA free agency, there will be plenty of teams interested before his contract is signed.
