Pacers officially outduel Lakers, 76ers for $82 million ex-Warriors fan-favorite forward

Jul 14, 2026 - 02:15

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Pacers officially outduel Lakers, 76ers for $82 million ex-Warriors fan-favorite forward originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Indiana Pacers are coming off a less-than-ideal 2025-26 campaign, as the Tyrese Haliburton-less franchise (Achilles recovery) finished the year with a putrid 19-63 record a year after advancing to the NBA Finals and falling one win short of an unprecedented championship.

To make matters even worse for Indiana, they didn’t possess a single selection during the NBA Draft due to their midseason trade sending Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, two first-round picks, and a second-round pick to the Los Angeles Clippers for Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown.

That said, the Pacers do deserve credit for outdueling the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers for a $82 million (career earnings) former Golden State Warriors fan-favorite forward on the offseason free agent market.

“The Indiana Pacers announced (last) Wednesday the team signed forward Kelly Oubre Jr.," the franchise's press release stated. "Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Oubre will wear number 10 for the Pacers.”

On June 30, Yahoo Sports’ Kelly Iko reported that the Lakers and 76ers were among the franchises that planned to meet with Oubre at some point this summer, indicating their interest in the Kansas product.

Ultimately, though, the Pacers secured the 30-year-old’s services and should expect to receive valuable off-ball cutting, explosive straight lines after poor closeouts, versatile finishing in transition, and a defensive hunger that allows him to fly around the floor and serve as a pesky disruptor.

Oubre, who spent one impactful season with the Warriors in 2020-21, contributed 14.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game with the 76ers last season. Oubre should play an instrumental role in helping the Pacers return to competitive ways in the foreseeable future.

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