After weeks of speculation, the Warriors did not deal guard Kelly Oubre Jr. before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, leading to further speculation about his future.
Oubre, 25, is an unrestricted free agent after the season and figures to have plenty of suitors offering eight-figure salaries on the open market this summer. By not trading him before the deadline, the Warriors risk Oubre walking away for nothing. If Golden State decides it wants Oubre back, it has the ability to re-sign him using Bird rights but may not be able to offer a starting job.
“I’m growing, I’m honing in on my skills in this league and I can offer a lot more than coming off the bench,” Oubre said after scoring 19 points on 8-for-17 shooting in Golden State’s 141-119 loss to the Kings Thursday. “At the end of the day, this is my life. I can’t tell the future.”
During the same postgame media session, Oubre responded “I would love that” when asked if he’s like to stay in Golden State long-term, but offered a hedge.
“At the end of the day, this is a business,” he added. “We got through one step, the next step is giving my all to this team so we can reach our goals this season. And then this summer that’s another step, so I’m just kind of in the moment right now. I’m here. I’m a Warrior.”
Of course, Oubre shouldn’t be blamed for taking a vague position. After years of coming off the bench, Oubre — the 15th pick in the 2015 draft — broke through as a starter last season in Phoenix before being traded to Oklahoma City, which dealt him to Golden State for a protected first-round pick in November. As a free agent, Oubre will finally decide for himself where he wants to play.
But his comments come days after head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged in a radio interview that, if Oubre is re-signed, he would come off the bench next season behind Klay Thompson, returning from an Achilles tear, and forward Andrew Wiggins.
When asked if he had discussed a potential role next season with the front office in the days before the deadline, Oubre said, “No.”
According to league sources, the Warriors received several offers for Oubre before the deadline but never one that was particularly exciting. Ultimately, they decided to keep Oubre for the remainder of the season and a potential playoff run.
“It’s great that he’s here,” Kerr said. “He’s happy, I’m happy. We got 28 games to make a push, and that’s all there is to focus on. Not much else to say.”
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March 27, 2021 at 02:29AM
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Warriors’ Kelly Oubre Jr. on future: ‘I can offer a lot more than coming off the bench.’ - Vacaville Reporter
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