The Future
Kelly Oubre Jr. bet on himself last year in signing a two-year contract that leaves him an unrestricted free agent after next season. It’s paying off 50 games into the first season of this short contract. Assuming good health and continued strong play, he will make a lot of money after next season. A lot.
The trajectory shows that Kelly Oubre Jr is turning into an excellent starter for the Phoenix Suns who compliments Devin Booker’s and Deandre Ayton’s games. He fits the style of play, turning into a 3-and-D player plus. He also fits the timeline at only 24 years old.
The question the Suns will need to answer – should they pay him the salary he will demand even though they have a similar player, lacking the swag and consistent 3 point shot (currently) in Mikal Bridges?
Does Bridges continue to develop and turn into a cheaper version of Oubre, letting the Suns explore using one of them as a very good trade chip in an upcoming deal next year? Or should the Suns keep both and figure out a way to let these two continue to cause havoc on defense while complimenting Booker and Ayton on offense?
The next 18 months will show us where the Suns see this headed.