Charlotte Hornets in discussions with free agent Kelly Oubre

It’s been an uneventful week for the Charlotte Hornets since the start of free agency but there has finally been some movement from the front office. Earlier Thursday, it was reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania that Charlotte had emerged as a suitor for Lauri Markkanen. Tonight, it’s being reported by The Athletic’s David Aldridge that Kelly Oubre Jr. is in discussions with Charlotte. Aldridge reported that there will be no agreement tonight but talks are ongoing.

Oubre is one of the few marquee players left in the free agency pool who’s looking for a fresh start to rejuvenate his career and Charlotte is one of the few teams who have the cap space to make a deal. It’s unsure what a deal would look like for Oubre.

If Oubre were to sign in Charlotte it may be on a two or three-year deal as he looks to build his stock back up and the Hornets look to be conservative in preserving their cap space. Oubre would be a good fit on a young Charlotte squad who’s looking to add talented wing depth around their core.

Oubre is 25 years old and is coming off a solid season where he averaged 15.4 points and 6.0 rebounds per game for the Golden State Warriors. Oubre had a historically bad shooting slump to start the season but finished with a decent 31.6% from behind the arc.

Oubre would have to accept a bench role on a healthy Hornets team as he wouldn’t start over Terry Rozier or Gordon Hayward. If Oubre does accept a heavy minute bench roll it should prove to be great depth for a team that’s lacking much of that after losing Devonte’ Graham and Malik Monk.

Going into the weekend it will be interesting to see what develops in Charlotte with Oubre and Markkanen.