As the first week of free agency came to a close, the Charlotte Hornets emerged as one of the few teams with the cap space to strike a deal for one of Kelly Oubre Jr. or Lauri Markkanen. Around midnight on Aug. 6, it was announced by The Athletic’s Shams Charania that Oubre was signing a two-year, $26 million deal to join the Hornets.
Before signing Oubre, a glance at the Hornets roster would tell you that they were lacking depth on the wings. Cody Martin and 56th overall pick Scottie Lewis are the only players who could classify as a wing on the team. Charlotte needed to find veteran players who could fill this void and contribute major minutes.
Enter Oubre, 25, who will be entering his 7th season in the NBA. Oubre is seasoned beyond his years but is yet to cement a role in a team’s long-term plan. This isn’t a fault of his own as he’s been traded three times in his young career. Washington and Phoenix were attempting to bring in veterans to compete in the playoffs, and Oklahoma City flipped him to Golden State who was looking to be a hopeful contender.
While he’s been on the move for the majority of his career, Oubre’s talent is undeniable. An explosive athlete and capable defender should add excitement to a roster that was already oozing with flair. Oubre isn’t your traditional “3&D” wing but he’s going to give you energy, effort, and pure athleticism, traits that are very welcomed in the city of Charlotte.
Charlotte being able to reel in one of the most sought-after players on the market is a massive win for a team that has grown a reputation as not being a desired destination for free agents. It was reported that Oubre had offers from the Nets, Bucks, Nuggets, Blazers, Cavaliers, Clippers, and Lakers. All but one of those teams could be classified as championship contenders yet Oubre still chose to come to the Hornets.
Charlotte being able to fill a major hole on the roster with one of the best wings on the market is a great signing. Add to that they were able to do so on an extremely team-friendly deal. Oubre fits the timeline of the roster and could continue to grow alongside Charlotte’s core if his development starts to progress again.
It’s possible that Charlotte got a steal in the Oubre signing so they pass this test with flying colors.