76ers to Sign Kelly Oubre Jr. an One-Year Deal as Per Report

Philadelphia 76ers to sign Kelly Oubre Jr. to a one-year contract as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. While the specific terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed, it’s highly probable that it will be for a minimum salary. The 76ers currently find themselves above the initial luxury tax apron, and although they have some room to spare before hitting the second apron, they may prefer to reserve that space, especially considering the potential need for a midseason James Harden trade. Given that Oubre remained unsigned until mid-September, it’s unlikely that he received a more attractive offer elsewhere.

76ers to Sign Kelly Oubre Jr.

This might come as a surprise given Oubre’s track record. Last season, he averaged an impressive 20.3 points per game with the Charlotte Hornets and has accumulated over 200 starts in the NBA. However, he has struggled to establish a long-term relationship with any one team. The Washington Wizards traded him to the Phoenix Suns during his fourth season. Afterward, he spent parts of two seasons with the Suns, followed by one year with the Golden State Warriors and two with the Hornets.

Oubre is a perplexing player. He possesses scoring prowess and a range of physical attributes, but these qualities haven’t consistently translated into success with winning teams. His defensive skills are questionable, his three-point shooting has been sporadic at best, and his adjustment to the Warriors’ distinctive offensive system in his solitary year with them was challenging, given its demand for a high basketball IQ. Although versatile wings are a rare commodity in the league, Oubre has yet to fully harness his evident talent.

However, the 76ers have a history of placing their bets on talent. Daryl Morey has replaced lesser-known bench players like Georges Niang, Jalen McDaniels, and Shake Milton with more prominent veterans such as Patrick Beverley and Mo Bamba. The 76ers are taking a gamble on maximizing Oubre’s potential. If they succeed, they will have secured a valuable contributor at a very reasonable cost.