Kelly Oubre Jr was put in a tough spot at the beginning of free agency. He could either join a contending team on a big discount and have a diminished role on a good team, or sign with a non-contender for more money and a bigger role.
And, as most young players who have yet to get paid big time would’ve done, Oubre Jr chose to do the latter and secure a bigger bag while he could.
Nonetheless, it seems like he was on several contenders’ rivals, as Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson said that he drew interest from the Lakers, Clippers, Bucks, Nuggets, Nets, and Blazers before leaning towards the Charlotte Hornets:
“Lakers, Clippers, Bucks, Nuggets, Nets, Blazers, Cavs were not just interested in Kelly Oubre Jr. but they all made offers his agent Torrel Harris Sr. of @UNIQUESPORTSGEN tells @BallySports. Oubre reportedly agreed to sign on a two-year deal with the Hornets,” reported Robinson.
Lakers, Clippers, Bucks, Nuggets, Nets, Blazers, Cavs were not just interested in Kelly Oubre Jr. but they all made offers his agent Torrel Harris Sr. of @UNIQUESPORTSGEN tells @BallySports.
Oubre reportedly agreed to sign on a two-year deal with the Hornets. pic.twitter.com/sFhO0Js1P6
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) August 8, 2021
Oubre had a bit of a breakout with the Phoenix Suns before regressing vastly with the Golden State Warriors. His shot stopped falling and his efficiency took a massive dip, especially at the beginning of the season.
The former Washington Wizards forward was expected to play a key role in Steve Kerr’s team, yet he only managed to average 15.4 points and 6.0 rebounds on 43% shooting and 31% from beyond the arc.
Then again, we’re talking about a 25-year-old player with length and versatility that could make an impact on both ends of the floor and still hit big market value by the time he’s 27.
So, even if Oubre Jr may not be playing for a contending team right now, he still has plenty of chance to join a top-caliber squad in the future while getting paid a lot of money and is given a chance to showcase his talents. Can’t blame him.
