Golden State Warriors: Trading Kelly Oubre Jr. makes too much sense

The Golden State Warriors are planning to be aggressive at the 2021 NBA Trade Deadline. The deadline is at 3 p.m. EST on March 25, which gives the Warriors about 21 hours to get a deal done. However, it may not be the deal everyone has in mind.

While it could be a long shot, the Warriors should consider pulling back and laying off the gas. There are a few teams that have a real shot at the title this season, and sadly, the Golden State Warriors are not one of them.

Now, I know that’s tough to hear.

The Golden State Warriors should consider trading Kelly Oubre Jr. as it seems likely that he’ll be looking for a big-time deal this offseason.

Oubre Jr. looking for a big-time deal is what he should do. He’s worthy of making $20 million a year in this NBA. With contracts ranging far more absurd for some players (even take Andrew Wiggins for example), Oubre Jr. will be looking to get paid this offseason.

It won’t be by the Warriors though. The Warriors have four max-contract players, and they won’t have the space to retain Oubre Jr.

With Golden State not among the teams that can truly contend for a title, they might as well reload. It’s not that the dynasty is over, but rather that the Warriors just need to hang around a little longer till they can get a fully healthy Klay Thompson back.

Now 22-22, the Warriors are on the brink of playoff contention. With Stephen Curry out the next few games, they may end up being the ninth seed in the West. If that’s the case, they’ll have a shot, and with Curry, anything could happen.

But, being aggressive and trading picks and draft capital to marginally help this team compete isn’t what general manager Bob Myers should do. Myers should look to trade Oubre Jr. and get max-value for him.

Oubre Jr. is a young, athletic player that can explode offensive and play energetic defense. He’s proven that throughout the season, especially with his 40-point performance to single-handedly take down the Mavericks.

While his scoring has been down despite the opportunity still being there, Oubre Jr. should still be seen as a prime trade target for teams needing backcourt help. At 6-foot-7 with a 30-inch vertical, Oubre Jr. would make any team in the NBA better.

Oubre Jr. has averaged 15.1 points per game and shot 44 percent from the field this season. He’s disappointingly seen about a five percent dip in his three-point percentage which could be one reason he hasn’t been the best fit in Golden State.

He’s a very capable shooting guard, and his energy alone should get the Warriors offers. Combine all his upsides and the fact that the Warriors aren’t going to be able to match any contract offered him, and it makes sense why Golden State and Oubre Jr. should part ways.

Oubre Jr. has grown into a fan favorite, but his time in Golden State should be just about over.