The New York Knicks are in need of more reliable three-point shooters. Warriors small forward Kelly Oubre could be the perfect solution in free agency.
The Knicks may be in a great position to benefit from a complex situation with the Warriors.
It all revolves around Kelly Oubre, the shooting guard from Golden State whose free agency should include plenty of intrigue.
According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, the Knicks and Oubre are mutually interested in working out a deal.
The Knicks could land Warriors small forward Kelly Oubre in free agency
The match makes a lot of sense on both sides.
New York had one of the best three-point percentages in the NBA, but they averaged the fourth-fewest attempts in 2020-21. Of Knicks players, only Reggie Bullock and Julius Randle attempted more than Oubre with the Warriors.
Bringing in someone like Oubre would allow New York to move on from Bullock with a capable three-point shooter with an impressive wingspan and solid defensive capabilities.
The tough part will be convincing Oubre to leave Golden State.
It’s complicated for the small forward and the Warriors. Oubre has publicly stated he wants to stay with the team long-term. However, he’d be relegated to a sixth-man role as soon as Klay Thompson returns to the lineup.
He could decide that coming off the bench is a reality he can live with. Thompson’s recent injury record is a huge question mark as well, so if he stays with Golden State, he could be there to pick up the pieces if there’s a setback.
Still, the Knicks could give him a better contract offer plus the greater likelihood of a starting job. That might be hard to pass up, even if he’s happy where he is.