Kelly Oubre Jr. Could Open Door for Rui Hachimura in Philadelphia
Kelly Oubre Jr. is heading into free agency with his role in Philadelphia in question. The 76ers may look at Rui Hachimura if Oubre leaves, a move tied to how the roster fits around Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey. Oubre has given them production since arriving for the 2023-24 season, but the contract window now pushes the franchise toward a decision.
Oubre’s Contract Window
Oubre averaged 14.1 points, five rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game this season. That production is the baseline Philadelphia has to replace if it lets him walk at the end of the campaign. He joined the 76ers at the start of the 2023-24 season, and his deal expires after this year.
That puts the front office in a familiar spot. The roster already leans on Embiid, George, and Maxey, so any swing piece has to function without demanding the ball every trip. Oubre’s value came from giving the team energy and numbers without needing the offense built around him.
Hachimura With The Lakers
Hachimura has been the player linked to that role. He plays for the Los Angeles Lakers and has shown he can thrive in a reduced role during his time there. The fit is not about volume scoring. It is about whether he can stretch the floor and accept a smaller usage load beside Embiid.
Philadelphia wants an immediate impact player, and that requirement narrows the list. Hachimura’s appeal comes from what he can do without forcing touches, which is the same trait the 76ers need if they keep their current star structure intact.
Morey’s Embiid Plan
Daryl Morey is expected to keep following the Joel Embiid vision even if the Game 7 matchup with the Boston Celtics goes pear-shaped. That keeps the pressure on every roster move around Embiid rather than around a broader reset. A replacement for Oubre would have to fit that plan from day one.
For Philadelphia, the question is not whether Oubre played well enough to matter. It is whether his next contract slot can be used on a wing who fits Embiid, George, and Maxey even more cleanly. Hachimura sits in that lane, and the 76ers appear ready to treat that fit as the priority.
