Warriors nearing a trade for Kelly Oubre Jr.

The Warriors are using the Traded Player Exception to absorb Oubre’s contract.

The Golden State Warriors are making a big move and trading for veteran wing Kelly Oubre Jr., according to multiple reports. Oubre has long been connected to the Warriors as a potential target, and a deal always made sense.

Now it’s happening.

In order to open up the cap space for Oubre — who is owed $14.4 million — Golden State is using the Traded Player Exception that they acquired when they got rid of Andre Iguodala. The Warriors had until Friday to use the exception before it expired.

Adding Oubre is a massive financial undertaking for the Warriors, because they’re so far above the tax line. Their tax penalty is going to explode after this move; Oubre may only make $14.4 million, but he’s going to be an $80 million man in the eyes of the franchise.

As Danny Leroux notes, that number could come down a bit if the league’s income is under their target, which is likely. However, it will still be an enormous tax bill.

Oubre comes to the Dubs by way of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who acquired him just a few days earlier from the Phoenix Suns in the Chris Paul trade. It’s not yet known what the Warriors are giving up, but it’s likely something small, as the Thunder would have wanted to get off his contract.

A year ago, the 24 year old lefty averaged 18.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, while shooting 35.2% from beyond the arc. He’s a strong defender who can guard multiple positions.

While the Warriors have been rumored to try and trade for him for a while, the thought was always that he’d be a sixth man. Now that Klay Thompson is injured and will miss the whole year, it seems likely that Oubre will start alongside Steph Curry and Andrew Wiggins in the backcourt.

No one can replace Thompson, but it sure seems like the Warriors are determined to remain championship contenders in his absence, and this is a strong move towards that.