The Golden State Warriors need more help on the wing after Klay Thompson suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon injury. A trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder for Kelly Oubre Jr. appears to be the plan.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowkski, the Thunder and Warriors are nearing a deal for Kelly Oubre Jr.
The Warriors will be able to use the $17.2 million trade exception that was set to expire later this week to acquire Oubre Jr.’s salary for the 2019-20 NBA season. He is set to earn $14.38 million and is set to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason.
Based on the configuration of the Warriors’ roster, Andrew Wiggins likely will slide back to the shooting guard spot with Oubre Jr. lining up at small forward. Both key stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green remain with No. 2 pick James Wiseman manning the middle.
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It remains to be seen if the Warriors will be able to remain contenders during the upcoming NBA season. Klay Thompson is a vital element of Golden State’s offense and neither Wiggins nor Oubre Jr. stylistically come close to replicating that impact.
The expectation for the Thunder always was that each veteran player they received in the Chris Paul trade would be re-routed to a new team. Ricky Rubio was dealt during the 2020 NBA Draft to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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 proved to be a key contributor for an ascending team in the Western Conference. He will aim to help the Golden State Warriors contend during this NBA season.
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