Warriors general manager Bob Myers is reportedly putting the word out to NBA decision makers: guard Kelly Oubre Jr. and his expiring contract are available via trade.
The intel is courtesy of The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, who also reports that Golden State has contacted the Magic about forward Aaron Gordon, a Bay Area native.
But as far as Oubre specifically, O’Connor reported, quite plainly, that, “The Warriors are shopping Kelly Oubre Jr., who will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.”
After O’Connor claimed Gordon would be a good fit in Portland and is “a bouncy version of Draymond Green,” he said the Warriors would of course use Gordon in Green’s role. He also said the Rockets, Celtics and Timberwolves have also contacted Orlando about the former No. 4 overall pick in the draft, who is just 25 years old and is under contract until 2022.
O’Connor reports the asking price is likely to be a mix of younger players and first round draft picks.
Could Myers include Oubre in a deal for Gordon? John Hollinger of The Athletic thinks so, as already reported at the Bay Area Sports Hub. It depends on whether the Magic are interested in Oubre, of course, and who else is included in the deal.
But Gordon aside, it does appear the Warriors are definitely looking to trade Oubre. It’s not necessarily that they don’t like the former Kansas standout, but his contract is expiring and Myers is unlikely to re-sign him due to a roster already stacked with large contracts.
The most interesting aspect here is that O’Connor calls Gordon a bouncy version of Draymond Green. Green’s health is solid, but he often appears on the edge of serious injury, such as when his knee “locks up,” or when he hurt his foot Saturday night in Golden State’s loss to Memphis.
It would be amazing to have a backup plan. But the terms would have to be right, and besides, there’s only one Draymond Green. But as I mentioned, this is all about Oubre. We’ll likely see exactly what his value around the NBA is before the trade deadline.
Bonus info: NBC Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole said the word “shopping” is a little strong when it comes to Oubre.
(Photo credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)
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