As free agency is set to get underway on Monday, Kelly Oubre has interest in the San Antonio Spurs, and his camp believes he would make a great fit, The San Antonio Express-News' Tom Osborn reported Saturday morning citing a league source.
Oubre doesn't seem likely to return to the Warriors, as he hopes to have a bigger role with a team next season.
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“I’m really just looking to make the best decision with my team and my family, that’s best for us,” he told Michael Scotto over the weekend on the HoopsHype podcast. “Obviously, I want to be a leader, and I want to continue to expand my game, grow and spread my wings.
“I want to continue to show all the things I’m capable of and not be put in a box. I felt like the universe was trying to put me in a box last year. It’s something that always clashes because it’s a big deal whenever I’m trying to be put in a box because I can’t be put in a box. I’m going to continue to show you and prove to you why you shouldn’t put me in a box. I think that just fueled me to work harder this summer and to come back next year and be a better all-around player.”
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Oubre got off to a very slow start offensively in his first season with the Warriors, and never really established a consistent presence in the lineup. A solid defender and excellent athlete, Oubre remains a valuable piece on the wing especially considering he is just 25 years old.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors have the highest payroll in the NBA going into next season, and bringing Oubre back only would increase what could be a historic luxury tax bill. General manager Bob Myers clearly wanted to add a wing in the 2021 NBA Draft, as he selected Jonathan Kuminga with the No. 7 overall picks, and later took Moses Moody at No. 14 overall.
DeMar DeRozan and Rudy Gay could be leaving San Antonio in free agency this summer, so Oubre would make sense as a young replacement on the wing for the Spurs.
Oubre should generate plenty of interest across the league, but it seems unlikely the Warriors will be able to retain him.