The Wizards and Kelly Oubre appear unlikely to agree to terms on a rookie scale extension before next Monday’s deadline, multiple people familiar with the situation tell Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington. If he doesn’t sign a new deal by October 15, Oubre would be eligible for restricted free agency next July.
[RELATED: Players eligible for rookie scale extensions in 2018]
As Hughes points out, not signing an extension now wouldn’t necessarily mean that Oubre’s days in Washington are numbered. In recent years, the Wizards didn’t get rookie scale extensions done with Bradley Beal or Otto Porter, but ultimately locked up both players to massive long-term deals in restricted free agency.
In the case of Oubre and the Wizards, both sides have reason to be patient, according to Hughes. The Wizards – who are already on the hook for big-money multiyear contracts for Beal, Porter, and John Wall – may want to take a longer look at Oubre in his fourth NBA season before deciding how much they’re willing to invest in him. The club also added depth at the wing over the offseason and could evaluate the potential of first-rounder Troy Brown this year before making a decision on Oubre.
Oubre, meanwhile, would likely improve his stock further if he takes another step forward in 2018/19. The 22-year-old small forward enjoyed his best season as a pro in 2017/18, averaging 11.8 PPG and 4.5 RPG with a .403/.341/.820 shooting line in 81 games (27.5 MPG).
Dont know why’d they rush to extend him