Kelly Oubre Jr., the Phoenix Suns’ surprising mid-season acquisition, has decided to stick with his current team instead of testing the waters as a restricted free agent.
Oubre has settled on a two-year, $30 million deal with the Suns which will keep him in the valley until 2021.
Phoenix acquired the 23-year-old small forward in a trade with the Washington Wizards in December, in which the Suns sent Trevor Ariza to the Eastern Conference.
Oubre struggled to make an impact in his first two seasons in the nation’s capital, averaging just 15 minutes per game and making a minimal impact off of the bench. During the 2017-18 season, however, he started to contribute more and ended the season averaging 11.8 points per game.
The 2018-19 season, nonetheless, was Oubre’s breakout campaign. The talented shooter averaged 15.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per game on 44.5% shooting, the best marks of his career. In addition, he got even better after being shipped to Phoenix, as he averaged 18.9 points per game and worked his way into the team’s starting five.
Oubre underwent thumb surgery in March, which put him out for the season’s final month, but he is expected to be ready to contribute as a member of a young and talented Suns roster next season.
