There was an overwhelming concern as to whether or not the Philadelphia 76ers would be able to bring back Kelly Oubre Jr. should they sign someone else to a max contract. However, speculation regarding this does not continue past the opening night of Free Agency.
The 76ers were able to reach an agreement with Paul George on a 4-year, $212 million contract. In addition, they were able to reach an agreement to bring back a talented wing in Kelly Oubre Jr. who was on a minimum contract with Philadelphia last season.
Kelly Oubre Jr. proved his worth for the Philadelphia 76ers
15.4 PPG | 5.0 RPG | 1.5 APG | 31.1 3PT% | 30.2 MPG | 68 Games Played | 52 Games Started
Oubre’s new contract with the Sixers is a two-year deal worth $16.3 million and features a player option for 2025-26. Considering the level of impact that Oubre had in his one year with the Sixers, this was a very solid acquisition for the team looking to get creative in their acquisitions after agreeing to sign Paul George to a max contract. Kelly Oubre got a raise this off-season, but frankly, he could’ve gotten more elsewhere. There is no doubt that he has bought into the vision in Philadelphia and has a great desire to win.
Oubre Jr. provided consistency both in the starting lineup and off the bench for the Sixers in the 2023-24 season. He scored 20 or more points in 19 games, not bad for a player who was on a veteran minimum contract. The 28-year-old will look to provide much of the same impact in year 2 with the team.
Kelly Oubre Jr. isn’t the only player to sign a favorable deal with the Sixers. Shortly after Free Agency opened on Sunday evening the 76ers signed both Andre Drummond (two-year, $10 million) and Eric Gordon (one-year, veteran minimum $3.3 million).
Given the fact that the Sixers can bring Oubre Jr. back on a favorable deal, it now opens up more options for them as they look to further build around their staple pieces. The 76ers “Big 3” features Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and now, Paul George.