The Washington Wizards traded Kelly Oubre Jr. to the Phoenix Suns last season in part because they were unlikely willing to pay what the 23-year-old forward would command in free agency.
On Wednesday, Oubre finally got paid.
Oubre agreed to a two-year, $30 million deal to stay in Phoenix. Though it’s only a two year deal, Oubre will hit unrestricted free agency at 25.
The 6-foot-7 forward emerged as an important piece for Phoenix last season. He started 12 of 40 games, averaging a career-high 16.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
Drafted 15th overall in 2015, Oubre was a spark-plug — albeit an inconsistent one — for the Wizards. He thrived off his athleticism, but occasionally frustrated by mental lapses on defense. In December, he was traded along with guard Austin Rivers to the Suns in exchange for Trevor Ariza.
Ariza, in his second stint with the Wizards, appeared in 43 games for Washington before signing a two-year, $25 million contract with the Sacramento Kings this offseason.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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