Reflecting on his journey, Oubre Jr. is being as honest as Joel Embiid was recently about his time with the 76ers and the weight of professional expectations. “I’ve averaged 20 points in this league and still find myself barely getting any contracts,” Oubre admitted, noting that while he loves Philadelphia, the uncertainty of free agency remains a tough road for him every summer.

The versatile forward believes he has evolved as a player and hope his improved maturity will be reflected in his next deal. “I hope I did myself a good service by being more efficient, slowing down, and playing better overall basketball,” he added, emphasizing that his goal is to provide stability for a team.

Oubre Jr. career stats and contract

Oubre Jr. has been a vital part of the Sixers‘ rotation, averaging 14.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game throughout the 2025-26 regular season. His career highlights include a peak scoring season with the Charlotte Hornets where he averaged 20.3 points, proving he can be a high-volume offensive threat when given the minutes and a consistent role.

In terms of his financial situation, Oubre recently played under an $8.38 million player option for the 2025-26 season, which he exercised to remain in Philadelphia. Over his ten-year NBA career, he has earned over $82 million across various teams, but he has frequently moved between franchises on short-term deals rather than securing a long-term home.

As he enters unrestricted free agency this summer, there is a strong possibility he remains with the 76ers if both sides can agree on a multi-year valuation. Given his defensive versatility and his connection with the fan base, Oubre Jr. has made a compelling case to be a permanent fixture in the “Process” alongside stars like Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

In an interview on Podcast P with Paul George, Kelly Oubre Jr. recounted a memorable moment: “He came to one game — I (forget) who we played. I shot a three. I can’t tell you if I made it or missed it, but it was terrible timing and ball situation,” the current Philadelphia 76ers player began. “We were up. I was trying to dagger these fools, trying to win and be the hero. I shot it”.

The surprising part of the story was Michael Jordan‘s reaction to Oubre’s ill-timed decision. Oubre continued, “I don’t know what happened after that, but I did come to the sideline after a timeout, and he smacked me in the back of the head.” However, Oubre clarified how he interpreted MJ’s reaction: “He only shows tough love to the people he really loves. So, I kind of just buckled down and locked in after that.”

Jordan’s influence

Beyond that memorable moment, Kelly Oubre Jr. offered insight into the dynamics of the Charlotte Hornets when Michael Jordan was the majority owner, describing how his presence both influenced and helped the team.

“Mike came in, and his presence was felt every single time he would come in because you knew either we were in trouble or he just wanted to motivate us,” Oubre explained. He added, “You were always just bracing yourself for the wisdom that he was about to give us.”

MJ’s years with the Hornets

After retiring for the third and final time as a player with the Washington Wizards in 2003, it didn’t take long for Michael Jordan to take on a new role in the NBA. In 2010, he made history as the first former player to become the majority owner of an NBA team, acquiring the Charlotte Hornets (then Bobcats) for a reported $275 million.

Jordan remained in that position for 13 years until 2023, when he sold his majority stake to Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall in a deal valued at approximately $3 billion, while retaining a minority stake—making a significant profit in the process. During Jordan’s ownership, the Charlotte Hornets made the NBA playoffs twice, though they were eliminated in the first round both times, falling to the Miami Heat.

Rob Pelinka planned to hold on to his assets and just try and let the season play itself out. Now, it’s evident that they need to make some moves if they want to stand a chance of making the playoffs.

But in reality, the chances of thempulling off a big trade for a star are quite slim. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the three veteran players they could realistically pursue in a trade.

NBA Rumors: Realistic Trade Targets For The Los Angeles Lakers

3. Jae Crowder

For whatever reason, Jae Crowder decided to hold out and act like a superstar, so he’s not going to play unless he’s extended or traded. The Phoenix Suns need him on the court, but not as much as he thinks they do.

The Lakers, on the other hand, are in desperate need of a sharpshooting wing that could hold his own on the defensive end of the floor. Whether he’ll want to play for them, however, remains to be seen.

2. Kyle Kuzma

Kyle Kuzma pretty much started tampering as soon as the rumors of the Lakers’ interest in his services flooded the internet. He talked about that Southern California breeze, and we all know what he meant.

Kuzma isn’t likely to extend his stay with the Washington Wizards. There’s a strong belief around the league that he’s going to be traded, as he reportedly plans to opt out of the final year of his deal.

1. Kelly Oubre Jr.

The Charlotte Hornets aren’t going anywhere. Even if they sign Miles Bridges, he’s likely to be suspended for the year, and they’re just not a good basketball team right now. Not even with LaMelo Ball going berzerk.

So, Michael Jordan would be better off just shaving some big contracts off his payroll. That means Kelly Oubre Jr, an athletic freak with streaky scoring skills and some defensive flashes, could be on the move.