The Charlotte Hornets just got hit by a huge wave in NBA free agency. The so-called Tsunami Papi, Kelly Oubre Jr. is headed to North Carolina.
The agreed upon deal between Oubre and the Hornets was reported by The Athletic insider Shams Charania:
Free agent Kelly Oubre Jr. has agreed to a two-year, $26M-plus deal with the Charlotte Hornets, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 6, 2021
Oubre adds another young, athletic wing on a Hornets team looking to surprise some folks in the East. The 25-year-old was having a solid year with the Golden State Warriors last season before it was cut short by a smll avulsion fracture that kept him out of the final weeks leading up to the play-in tournament.
Oubre ended up averaging 15.4 points and 6.0 rebounds per game while shooting 43.9% from the field. The respectable shooting clip was more impressive given the fact that Oubre struggled from the three-point line last season. Hopefully he can turn things around from downtown with the Hornets.
Charlotte has lost a couple of key contributors this free agency in Devonte’ Graham and Malik Monk from the wing spots. Adding a guy like Oubre allows them to play bigger, especially with a supersized point guard in LaMelo Ball expected to run the show. Look for the Hornets to be a dark horse playoff contender next season.