After a season-ending injury to Klay Thompson, the Golden State Warriors will be adding a versatile wing to their roster in Kelly Oubre Jr.
The Warriors are reaching a deal to acquire Oubre from the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was involved in a trade a few days ago that sent Chris Paul to the Phoenix Suns. Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Warriors intend to use their $17.2 million trade exception. This will absorb Oubre’s $14.4 million salary, meaning that Golden State can keep their assets and Oubre.
Report: Oklahoma City Thunder Trade Kelly Oubre Jr. To Golden State Warriors
The Warriors will absorb Oubre Jr., and his $14.4M salary into their $17.2M trade exception once deal is done. https://t.co/GcLaIlnwNF
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 19, 2020
How Kelly Oubre Can Make The Warriors Contenders
The Warriors didn’t hesitate to make a move on a player that can make an immediate impact, as their star is out for the season for the second-consecutive time. Klay Thompson injured himself while practicing in Southern California Wednesday before the draft that soon was diagnosed as an Achilles tear. Thompson was preparing himself to be back in time for the December start, as he suffered a torn ACL during the 2019 Finals. While no player can replace Thompson, Oubre will provide lots of depth on the wing.
Kelly Oubre is coming off of a breakout 2019-20 season in Phoenix. As a Sun, he averaged 18.7 points and 6.4 rebounds, shooting a career-high 35 percent from the three-point range. A well-rounded scorer and solid defender, Oubre will fit seamlessly into the three spot.
This means that the Warriors will have a solid lineup with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, and the No.2 draft pick James Wiseman. If players can maintain their health, Golden State has the potential to be a dangerous team in the Western Conference. Unfortunately, if they use the trade-exception on him, their luxury tax bill will increase by $68 million. So, clearly, owner Joe Lacob is ready to win now.
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