The Philadelphia 76ers have yet to make a move in the trade market despite the trade deadline coming in just a few days. However, after a long while, the league [has finally seen a deal unfold](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47793616/sources-cavs-trade-hunter-kings-schroder-ellis) with the Cleveland Cavaliers sending De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings for Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder.
Cleveland struck the deal mainly for cost-cutting, as their luxury tax obligations have gotten too burdensome. Having said that, for the Kings, they were undoubtedly also eyeing Hunter himself in order to restore some balance to their roster. After all, he is still in his peak and is only signed until next season. But for the 76ers, this is only an affirmance that they made a genius move with Kelly Oubre in recent years.
Hunter is one of the most consistent three-and-D forwards in the league, but he is making $23 million this season. In comparison, Oubre is making nearly three times less than what he is earning but is already providing relatively similar production without the attendant steep price tag and high usage on the hardwood.
The 76ers look even more brilliant after the De’Andre Hunter trade
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Rangy forwards who can hit open three-point shots and defend multiple positions are highly desirable commodities in the NBA, so for the 76ers to have Oubre on two discount deals in a row is a flex-worthy showing of front office competence for Philly.
There is admittedly some kismetic factor in that, but the team was definitely intentional when they inked Oubre to those deals. He has become a vital piece for the 76ers, which makes it all the more puzzling that a considerable number of fans [want to get him traded](https://thesixersense.com/nba-insider-drops-subtle-hint-that-kelly-oubre-76ers-career-is-over).
Depending on the demand for his services, his price tag could exponentially go up this year when he hits the open market anew. However, he will have a difficult time finding a more ideal place for him than Philly, a team that is now more equipped than before to maximize his strengths and mask some of his weaknesses.
Hopefully, Oubre can become a staple in the franchise. The 76ers already have a pretty muddled payroll, and if they can keep him on a reasonable deal, that will be huge for their roster optimization, which will become harder in the near future. Meanwhile, some teams like the Kings will have to pay a lucrative amount for nearly the same player.