Free agency is set to begin soon, and the Philadelphia 76ers received an unfavorable, yet expected news before the open market kicks off with its rampant venture this summer.
Kelly Oubre Jr. had just picked up his $8.4 million player option to return to the 76ers next season, instantly putting the team at a major disadvantage financially with free agency set to begin in just a little while. The veteran has spent the last couple of seasons with the team, both on relative discounts, yet the fanbase has remained divisive about him still being in the fold.
Quite frankly, Oubre merits some recognition for being a constant source of energy for the 76ers. He has played as a starter for the most part, but his weaknesses have become so glaring that finding a better alternative to man his role would be far more ideal. Now, they appear to be stuck with him for at least another season.
The 76ers, however, can flip the script on this front and turn this situation into a beneficial one by putting him up for trades.
The 76ers could turn to Kelly Oubre Jr. as a major trade chip
Oubre makes $8.4 million next season, a figure which is far from paralyzing for any team not named the 76ers, which desperately need to clear cap space to have a fighting chance at re-signing both Quentin Grimes and Guerschon Yabusele.
If the front office wants to get highly resourceful, they should aggressively shop Oubre and his expiring deal. It is not outside the realm of possibility that a certain team bids for his services. After all, he improved defensively with the 76ers and his rim-running ability could prove to be better suited in an environment where he is surrounded by more reliable spot-up shooters which Philadelphia has not afforded him.
Things could get even better if the 76ers package Oubre with, say, Andre Drummond, who is making north of $5 million next season. If Philadelphia’s brass would be amenable with parting with some draft capital, they could make that consolidated package a lot more tempting for teams looking to unload some salary for players which the 76ers could target as better complementary pieces.
The Philadelphia 76ers are not in an ideal financial position ahead of free agency, but things could quickly look much better for them if they make the most out of Kelly Oubre Jr.’s expiring deal — a feasible route to take at the moment given the veteran’s largely positive play despite his clear weaknesses.