The Golden State Warriors received the unfortunate news that Klay Thompson was ruled out for the upcoming NBA season. In an effort to stay afloat, they finalized a trade for Kelly Oubre Jr. with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Warriors will use their $17.2 million trade exception to outright absorb Oubre Jr.’s contract in exchange for a protected 2021 1st round pick. Golden State will only the pick if they finish in the top 21-to-30 in the NBA standings next season.

With the Thunder seeking to rebuild, it doesn’t make much sense to keep a veteran who is on an expiring contract like Oubre Jr. Navigating the trade route and capitalizing on his value now is the best course of action— sending him to the Warriors achieved precisely that.

It was expected for the Thunder to re-route Oubre Jr. to a new team after executing the Chris Paul trade with the Phoenix Suns. Oklahoma City had done this with Ricky Rubio during the 2020 NBA Draft by sending him to the Minnesota Timberwolves— where his career began.

RELATED: Warriors nearing deal with Thunder for Kelly Oubre Jr

The expected outcome for the Warriors is to involve Andrew Wiggins at the shooting guard position in Klay Thompson’s place. That will enable Oubre Jr. to slot in at small forward. Meanwhile, No. 2 overall pick, James Wiseman, will man the middle at center.

The ability to contend for an NBA championship during the upcoming season doesn’t appear to be a likely possibility for the Warriors without Thompson. Golden State would need Wiseman to adjust very quickly to the professional level and for Wiggins to reach a new level in his game.

Last season, Kelly Oubre Jr. appeared in 56 games for the Phoenix Suns— producing averages of 18.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. He was a critical contributor to the team’s resurgence. Now, he will be tasked with revitalizing the Golden State Warriors after an injury-plagued season.

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