NBA Rumors: Golden State Warriors Swingman May Be Too Expensive To Keep, Report Suggests

KEY POINTS

Kelly Oubre Jr. wants to stay in Golden State, but his next contract poses a problem for the Warriors
Oubre may end up wanting $20 million starting next NBA season, a report suggests
Multiple NBA teams may pitch a deal to Warriors for Oubre

The Golden State Warriors have decisions to make with the NBA trade deadline fast approaching. The Dubs are still technically in the NBA postseason race, but head coach Steve Kerr may also want to consider player futures along the way.

The Warriors are trying to pick up the pieces, and their fortunes have been hampered. Klay Thompson remains out with an injury, leaving the bulk of the work at the hands of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. There are new faces like Andrew Wiggins, Kelly Oubre Jr. and rookie James Wiseman. But compared to their NBA championship years, it is a fact that Golden State needs to map out its future.

One player that deserves close attention is Oubre. The 25-year-old player is set to become an unrestricted free agent after this 2020-21 NBA season, but he has expressed his desire to stay in the Bay Area.

But looking closer, doing so may cost a lot – roughly $20 million, according to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Kerith Burke. Hence, money-matters once again stand in the way.

Looking at Oubre’s current season, he has been performing well. The 15th overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft stepped his game up in February, averaging 20.1 points per game in 15 appearances. That has somehow attracted the attention of other teams, aside from the fact he is on an expiring deal.

Oubre is averaging 15.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 30.5 minutes for the Dubs this 2020-21 NBA season, per Spotrac.

There is no doubt that the 6-foot-7 player has been stellar since breaking out with the Washington Wizards in 2018. He continued his progression and was one of the bright spots of the Phoenix Suns last season.

So like most teams, the Warriors are likely to listen to offers. They have not shown any immediate plans of trading Oubre, although the right deal could see the former University of Kansas player move out.

With the $14.4 million deal he holds right now, only a few teams with assets or cap space to spare may try to explore opportunities. Unfortunately, teams waiting on buyouts are unlikely to get a chance at possibly signing the veteran swingman – unless they consider trading some of their stars.