Kelly Oubre Junior, the best player of Charlotte Hornets last season, could strengthen the Miami Heat, according to ESPN reporter Marc Stein.
Oubre had a great season with the Charlotte Hornets, with whom his contract expired. He recorded an average of 20.3 points, with 5.1 rebounds, but despite that, he has difficulty finding a new center as an unrestricted free agent.
Miami is mentioned as a potential new destination. The team from Florida would force the arrival of the former Washington Wizards player, if Damian Lillard were to wear a Heat jersey.
“Several teams I’ve talked to recently expect free agent Kelly Oubre Junior to sign for Miami, provided that team successfully negotiates a Lillard trade with Portland,” says Stein.
For now, according to the American media, there is no concrete progress in the negotiations between Miami and Portland.
One of the reasons why Oubre, despite the mentioned numbers, is still not engaged is the way he got to the point performance. Charlotte had big problems with injuries the previous season, so the wing basketball player had to take more responsibility.
This was reflected in a higher point average, but also in reduced efficiency. The former Kansas student shot 43 percent from the field, along with an NBA-high 32 percent three-point shooting. The impression is that in Miami he would not have the “green light” for a slightly more casual game in attack.
Boston is also interested in Oubre’s services. The realization of the deal is hindered by the fact that the Celtics are ready to offer him the veteran minimum, which is the opposite of the player’s request.