2019 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
Kelly Oubre Jr.: 2 years, $30 million (Phoenix Suns)
Restricted free agent Kelly Oubre Jr., has agreed to a two-year, $30M deal to stay with the Phoenix Suns, agent Nima Namakian of @BDA_Sports tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 11, 2019
While $15 million seems like an overpay for a restricted free agent that had no market, this is a fair compromise for Kelly Oubre Jr. and the Phoenix Suns. It was becoming increasingly evident they were having problems settling on an appropriate annual salary for a three- or four-year deal, so this is a short-term win for both.
Oubre thrived in his time with the Suns, averaging 16.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game over his 40 appearances, helping change a losing culture and inspiring the “Valley Boyz” moniker that caught on so quickly. With this deal, he secures the payday he was hoping for over the next two years while taking a chance on himself for 2021 free agency.
The Suns probably would’ve preferred to lock Oubre in over the course of a longer deal, but had little incentive to offer a four-year deal at that price given the market, the lack of outside suitors and question marks over his true impact and 3-point shooting. With no options for the second year, this gives both sides an extended tryout period to figure out whether this is the right long-term fit for Phoenix’s rebuild.
Grade: B+