Despite being a 20+ point per game scorer, Kelly Oubre Jr. could only secure a minimum deal last offseason from the Philadelphia 76ers. After one season with the team, Philadelphia has decided to keep him around with a raise. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN has reported that the 28-year-old is returning on a two-year deal worth $16.3 million. The second year will be a player option.
ESPN Sources: Free agent G Kelly Oubre Jr., has agreed on a two-year, $16.3 million deal to stay with the Philadelphia 76ers. Deal includes a player option on the 2025-2026 season for Sixers’ starting two-guard. pic.twitter.com/UE9Mc6PEsD
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2024
76ers Retain Starter On 2-Year Deal
Kelly Oubre Jr. Mostly Utilized As Starter Last Season
The six-foot-seven Oubre Jr. started 52 of his 68 regular season appearances last season for Philadelphia. Playing 30.2 minutes per contest, he posted averages of 15.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.7 blocks. The nine-year veteran shot 44.1% from the field, 31.1% from three-point territory, and 75% from the free-throw line.
Appearing in the postseason for the first time in six years, Oubre Jr. started every game for Philadelphia in this year’s playoffs. The 76ers fell in six games to the New York Knicks in the opening round. Oubre Jr. did show improved efficiency, though connecting on 39.1% of his three-point attempts.
The 2022-23 season saw Oubre Jr. average a career-best 20.3 points with the Charlotte Hornets. His market last offseason probably wasn’t what he expected, though, as his scoring came on a 27-55 team. He signed well more than a month into free agency with Philadelphia.
In his nine NBA seasons, Oubre Jr. has career averages of 13.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.5 blocks. He has a career shooting mark of 32.7% from beyond the arc. Oubre Jr. has been in the starting lineup for 254 of his 595 games.
Busy Start For The 76ers In Free Agency
Oubre Jr. was far from the only signing Philadelphia made last night/this morning. The team added to their depth by agreeing to deals with Andre Drummond and Eric Gordon. Drummond’s deal is for reportedly two years at $10 million. Gordon’s is for one year at the veteran minimum.
The big news came out in the wee hours of the morning, though. Wojnarowski announced that Paul George would be joining the 76ers. It will be a maximum deal of four years at $212 million. Philadelphia now has three All-Star caliber players in George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey.
