Kelly Oubre Jr. discusses his future after tough Sixers season ends
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers wrapped up a tough 2024-25 season on Sunday with a 122-102 loss to the Chicago Bulls as they finished 24-58, which was good for the fifth-worst record in the league.
In what was a tough season filled with injuries and adversity, Kelly Oubre Jr. was the one constant in the lineup before injuries caught up to him as well. A right knee sprain ended his season on March 12 after 60 gams played. He averaged 15.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals, and he shot 47% from the floor.
As Oubre heads into the offseason, his future is a question mark. He has an $8.3 million player option for the 2025-26 season so one has to wonder what he will do in the offseason. He has turned into an important piece for the Sixers so it would be safe to assume he wants to return.
“I’m a Philadelphia 76er,” Oubre said. “I’m blessed to be a part of this organization. I’m here in front of you guys right now, so taking it day-by-day, but also this is a business. At the end of the day, I’m happy, and I feel like I like to finish what I start, and I don’t feel complete. So God speed and, yeah. I’m still here.”
The Sixers will have to make a decision on Oubre as time moves on. One has to assume he does opt into his player option as it would make sense for him to take the money and keep building in Philadelphia. He also is such a productive player for the Sixers in the sense that he brings a great energy every day into the locker room and he does a great job doing what is asked of him.
On the flip side, this is a business. Oubre understands that more than anybody and the emergence of young players at his position such as Justin Edwards and Quentin Grimes–a restricted free agent–could force a move. This summer will certainly be interesting in Philadelphia.
