After news broke out that Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson was out for the upcoming 2020-21 season due to a torn Achilles tear, the Californian franchise were quick to find a replacement. This might not be the direct solution, as it will be very hard to replace the quality that Klay brings to the court- but the Warriors have done a fine job in getting in Oklahoma City Thunder guard Kelly Oubre Jr as cover.
Klay Thompson also tore his ACL in his left knee during the 2019 NBA Finals and didn’t step onto an NBA court during the 2019-20 season.
Kelly Oubre Jr was initially traded to OKC as part of a trade that saw Chris Paul go to the Phoenix Suns. But the Warriors were quick to work on a trade that sees Oubre Jr join them and Oklahoma City Thunder get a 2021 protected first-round NBA draft pick, according to ESPN.
ESPN also added that if the Warriors finish 21st to 30th in the final regular-season standings, they will send the pick to the Thunder. Meanwhile if the Warriors land in the top 20, they will send two second-round picks to Oklahoma City.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Oubre is scheduled to make $14.4 million in the 2020-21 NBA season. By taking on Oubre’s contract the Warriors’ luxury tax bill will skyrocket from $66 million to $134 million.
