KEY POINTS

  • Suns listeng to offers for Oubre Jr.
  • Oubre could be a good addition to NBA playoff-bound teams
  • Suns dangling Oubre Jr. makes no sense

The Phoenix Suns are listening to offers for Kelly Oubre Jr. and teams bound for the postseason wars may want to take a look. The 6-foot-7 swingman has been having a fine season and could be a key acquisition for teams in need of a wingman.

Oubre is the Suns' secondary scorer behind Devin Booker. This 2019-20 season, he has been putting up impressive numbers. The 15th overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft has played 49 games, averaging a career-best 18.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per Basketball-Reference.com. He is in the first year of his $30 million contract with Phoenix. He will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2020-21 NBA wars.

Considering he has been doing great, exploring potential deals for the 24-year-old is a bit odd. There is a possibility that the Suns are thinking ahead. Oubre could seek higher pay at some point, meaning he could be someone unlikely to return after next season, the Bleacher Report suggested.

Despite his performance and providing Booker support, the Suns' campaign has not been that swell. They are currently 20-31 and their chances of making the playoffs are not looking that good. Though his $30 million contract is seen as below market value, Phoenix may be thinking they can get someone better. If not, they could use the budget on multiple talents who could align with their vision moving forward.

With the NBA trade deadline almost up, it will be interesting if any deal gets done. The Suns are on a four-game losing streak so some changes may be in order. Also, they may be because Booker wants to be surrounded by players who can help the franchise perform better.

A plausible dance partner could be the Detroit Pistons. Luke Kennard has been previously mentioned as a sensible addition and there is a chance that could gain fruition. With their chances not looking good this season, dealing away Oubre this early could be part of another rebuilding effort for Phoenix. The only question now is who can they possibly get in return for the former University of Kansas cager.

Kelly Oubre
Kelly Oubre (Kansas) heads to the stage after being selected as the No. 15 overall pick to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports