76ers Facing Unsettled Times Ahead of Training Camp

As the Philadelphia 76ers gear up for another NBA season, questions loom over the availability of star player Joel Embiid following a disappointing 2024-25 campaign where the team finished with a 24-58 record. With Paul George recently undergoing knee surgery and Embiid's health in question, the 76ers find themselves amid a swirl of trade rumors, particularly surrounding forward Kelly Oubre.

Oubre's Movable Contract and Potential Trade Destinations

NBA insider Jake Fischer reports that Oubre, a 6'8" forward, is on an expiring contract worth $8.4 million. Last season, he averaged 15.1 points, showcasing a blend of length and athleticism, although his three-point shooting has been inconsistent at best. This unreliability has led to speculation that Oubre could be on the move as trade discussions heat up.

One potential trade scenario involves the Orlando Magic, who find themselves with an overcrowded center position featuring Wendell Carter Jr., Moritz Wagner, Goga Bitadze, and Jonathan Isaac. Trading Oubre for Bitadze could alleviate that logjam while providing Philadelphia with an effective backup for Embiid, should he miss time. This move would allow up-and-comers like Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain to gain valuable minutes during Embiid's absences.

Warriors Consider Oubre's Return

The Golden State Warriors are also emerging as a potential destination for Oubre, given his previous tenure with the team in the 2020-21 season. Despite mixed impact metrics during his time in the Bay Area, the Warriors are in need of bench scoring, and Oubre's ability to drive to the basket could benefit sharpshooters like Stephen Curry and Buddy Hield.

Other Trade Possibilities

In addition to Orlando and Golden State, other teams have also shown interest in acquiring Oubre. The Denver Nuggets could provide a fitting home as Oubre’s scoring prowess might bolster a second unit that struggles without star Nikola Jokić. In a related swap, Dario Šarić's potential return to Philadelphia has also been floated. Although Šarić's performance has diminished since his last stint with the 76ers, he possesses playmaking abilities that could benefit the team's offensive flow.

Overall, as Philadelphia navigates the uncertainties surrounding Embiid's health and seeks to improve their roster, Kelly Oubre's name is becoming increasingly prominent in trade discussions. Whether these rumors translate into actual moves remains to be seen, but the upcoming weeks will certainly be critical for the franchise as they look to stabilize their roster ahead of the new season.