Oubre ‘would love' to stay with Warriors past trade deadline

Share

Kelly Oubre Jr. doesn't have March 25 circled on his calendar.

The Warriors wing wasn't aware that was the day of the trade deadline until his father recently told him. He won't necessarily feel an immense relief if he's on Golden State's roster after the deadline, but that's nonetheless exactly where the 25-year-old wants to be once the dust settles.

"I would love to stick around," Oubre told NBC Sports Bay Area's Kerith Burke in an exclusive 1-on-1 interview, which is set to air Monday during "Warriors Pregame Live" at 6:30 p.m. PT. "I'm trying to make a home somewhere, grow in life. And I think [after] getting acclimated more and more here every day, this is a great place to do that. Everything happens for a reason in this life, and I'm here right now. I would love the opportunity to just play, and be comfortable here and continue to grow relationships with people in this organization."

Oubre took time to find his footing after the Warriors traded for him in November, days after Klay Thompson sustained a torn Achilles. He shot historically poor early on, but things really clicked in February.

In 15 games last month, Oubre averaged 20.1 points on 50.2 percent shooting and 43.0 percent on 3-pointers. The latter mark was better than Steph Curry's, and Oubre's 19 points per game since Feb. 1 are second to Curry among the Warriors who have played at least five games during that time.

Oubre's effort and energy won over coach Steve Kerr from the beginning, while Warriors general manager and president of basketball operations Bob Myers told NBC Sports Bay Area's Grant Liffmann earlier this month that Golden State envisions Oubre as part of its future. The Warriors own Oubre's Bird Rights, meaning they can go over the salary cap -- and deep into the luxury tax, if they so choose -- in order to keep him.

RELATED: Oubre admits contract, Warriors' finances added to pressure

After playing for three different teams in the last few seasons, it's understandable that Oubre wants to stick around somewhere.

If Oubre's still a Warrior on March 26, he'll be one step closer to finding a long-term home.

Download and subscribe to the Dubs Talk Podcast

Contact Us