Kelly Oubre Jr. and Christian Wood are both seeking more than minimum contracts, according to NBA insider Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
Oubre Jr. and Wood remain unrestricted free agents. The former has been linked to the Dallas Mavericks, while the latter has been linked to the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers.
“Christian Wood and Kelly Oubre are arguably the two most accomplished players left in free agency — and Wood has been linked to Miami in media reports — but both players are seeking more than minimum contracts,” Jackson wrote. “Their agents declined to say if there have been conversations with the Heat.”
Oubre Jr. appeared in 48 games for the Charlotte Hornets last season. He averaged 20.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists while shooting 43.1% from the field, 31.9% from beyond the arc and 76.0% from the free-throw line. The 27-year-old has career averages of 12.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.0 assists with the Washington Wizards, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and Hornets.
Meanwhile, Wood appeared in 67 games for the Mavericks in 2022-23. He averaged 16.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists while shooting 51.5% from the floor, 37.6% from beyond the arc and 77.2% from the free-throw line. Wood, 27, has career averages of 14.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists with the Philadelphia 76ers, Hornets, Milwaukee Bucks, New Orleans Pelicans, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets and Mavericks.
The Mavericks have not ruled out a sign-and-trade deal involving Wood, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. Dallas has already informed Wood it will not re-sign him.
It’s going to be fascinating to see where Oubre Jr. and Wood are playing next season. It would shock many people around the NBA if both veterans aren’t picked up by a team before training camp starts.
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