The Charlotte Hornets and Golden State Warriors’ wing Kelly Oubre Jr have agreed to a two-year deal worth $26-plus million. This comes late in the 2021 NBA free agency period, but as one of the few teams left with cap space, the Hornets could afford a quality signing this late into the period. There was speculation that Oubre would join a team via a sign and trade with the Warriors, but that does not appear to be the case. Charlotte having cap space means they could sign the wing without the need for a sign and trade.
Free agent Kelly Oubre Jr. has agreed to a two-year, $26M-plus deal with the Charlotte Hornets, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 6, 2021
The Hornets also signed guard Ish Smith earlier in the period, but outside of that, they have stayed relatively quiet so far in free agency. Oubre has bounced around the league some in the last couple of years, but now he can be a veteran leader on a young and promising team. His role on the roster is unclear, but he could be a starter or a productive rotation player off the bench. Miles Bridges could learn plenty from the veteran wing while they share space on the same roster.
Kelly Oubre Jr with a new career-high of 40 ? pic.twitter.com/hC2sM3hLrj
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) February 5, 2021
Oubre had a good year with Golden State where he averaged 15.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. He paired those numbers with a field goal percentage of 43.9 percent and a three-point percentage of 31.6 percent. The Hornets franchise is starving for winning basketball and a playoff appearance could be just the jolt this team needs long term. Oubre is an experienced wing that provides defense, scoring, and most of all depth.