The Golden State Warriors are poised to make a splash in the NBA trade market, with reports indicating a potential reunion with former forward Kelly Oubre Jr. Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey recently highlighted Oubre as a prime target for the Warriors, who are looking to bolster their roster and return to championship contention. This move could reshape the Pacific Division while leaving an Eastern Conference rival, the Philadelphia 76ers, scrambling to adjust.
Kelly Oubre Jr., a 6-foot-4, 200-pound scoring dynamo, previously suited up for the Warriors during the 2020-21 season. That year, he averaged 15.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor. Fast forward to the 2024-25 season, Oubre’s performance with the 76ers has been strikingly similar, posting nearly identical numbers. His consistency as a scorer, paired with his defensive tenacity, makes him an ideal fit for a Warriors team seeking to add depth and versatility to their bench.
Oubre’s first stint with Golden State came during a transitional period. Stephen Curry had just returned from a 2019-20 season where he played only five games due to injury, and the Warriors finished as the No. 9 seed in the Western Conference with a 54.2 percent winning percentage. Despite the team’s struggles, Oubre proved his worth as a reliable shot-maker and a physical presence. Now, with a healthier and more robust roster, the Warriors are in a better position to maximize Oubre’s skill set.
The Warriors’ current lineup, led by Curry, Klay Thompson (assuming his return), and Draymond Green, is formidable but lacks a few key pieces to reclaim their spot atop the NBA. Oubre’s ability to score efficiently, attack the rim, and defend multiple positions makes him a valuable addition. At 29 years old, he brings a blend of youth and experience, perfectly complementing Golden State’s mix of veterans and emerging talent.
Moreover, Oubre’s contract makes him an attractive trade target. In the final year of his deal, he’s owed $8.38 million for the 2025-26 season—a bargain for a player of his caliber. His expiring contract also provides the Warriors with flexibility, allowing them to either retain him as a long-term piece or use his salary slot in future deals.
To land Oubre, the Warriors could offer a package centered around young big man Trayce Jackson-Davis and promising wing Gui Santos. Jackson-Davis, a second-round pick in 2023, has shown flashes of potential as a rim-running center, but his role in Golden State’s small-ball system is limited with Draymond Green anchoring the frontcourt. Santos, meanwhile, is a raw but intriguing prospect who could benefit from a change of scenery. This trade would allow the 76ers to replenish their roster with young talent while giving the Warriors a proven veteran who fits their immediate needs.
For Philadelphia, losing Oubre would sting. He’s been a key contributor to their rotation, providing scoring punch and defensive versatility alongside stars like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The 76ers would need to weigh the long-term upside of Jackson-Davis and Santos against the immediate impact of Oubre, especially as they aim to compete in the loaded Eastern Conference.
If the Warriors pull off this trade, it could be a masterstroke. Oubre’s ability to create his own shot, stretch the floor, and guard multiple positions aligns perfectly with Steve Kerr’s system. His athleticism and energy would inject new life into Golden State’s second unit, providing a spark off the bench that could prove crucial in tight playoff games. Furthermore, his familiarity with the organization and Curry’s playstyle ensures a smoother integration than most midseason acquisitions.
For the 76ers, parting ways with Oubre could disrupt their chemistry and depth. While Jackson-Davis and Santos have potential, neither is ready to step into Oubre’s role as a high-impact rotation player. Philadelphia would need to make additional moves to fill the void, especially if they hope to keep pace with Eastern Conference powerhouses like the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks.
As the Warriors look to reclaim their throne, Oubre could be the missing piece that elevates them from contender to champion. His $8.38 million coup represents a low-risk, high-reward move for a franchise known for its bold roster decisions. Meanwhile, the 76ers face the challenge of retooling without one of their most reliable wings, a loss that could reverberate across the Eastern Conference.
The Pacific Division just got a lot more interesting, and the Warriors are once again proving why they remain one of the NBA’s most dynamic franchises.