Victor Oladipo has had some tough luck throughout his brief NBA career. He was supposed to be a superstar but struggled early on with the Orlando Magic, then finally took a step forward with the Oklahoma City Thunder, just to be traded again, this time to the Indiana Pacers.
Oladipo blossomed at Indiana as a two-way stud and even got his first All-Star nod. It seemed like everything was right on track for the talented combo guard, and then two major injuries derailed his career once again, up to the point where the team has pretty much learned how to win without him.
The talent is clearly there and he could still turn into a star. But recent rumors claim that he’s unhappy at Indiana. In fact, he even liked a tweet of a fan saying he’s not comfortable with the team playing him anymore, which started a new wave of rumors about his desire to leave.
Victor Oladipo liked a tweet from a Pacers fan saying he’s not comfortable with Indiana paying Oladipo 🧐 pic.twitter.com/kDyfQlwweK
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 10, 2020
That, combined with many teams reportedly interested in acquiring his services could make the Pacers at least entertain the possibility of moving on from him, so today we’re going to let you know about the top 5 best destinations for him:
5. Denver Nuggets
Trade Package: Will Barton, Michael Porter Jr, Monte Morris (Team Option), 2nd Round Pick
The Denver Nuggets are on the verge of being a Championship contender. They have enough depth to make a couple of moves and still be a driving force in the Western Conference, so adding Victor Oladipo would be a major boost for them, for sure.
Oladipo’s two-way expertise would fit in right away next to Jamal Murray and Gary Harris. Sadly, they’d have to lose standout prospect Michael Porter Jr in the way but that’s the price you have to pay if you want to challenge the Clippers, Lakers, and Rockets.
4. Atlanta Hawks
Trade Package: De’Andre Hunter, Cam Reddish, Kevin Huerter, First Round Pick
The Atlanta Hawks promised Trae Young that they’d get him more help. They’ve already acquired Clint Capela and John Collins looks like a stud in the making, so adding Victor Oladipo would certainly be a step in the right direction for them.
Sadly, it would mean that they’d have to give up on two of their best prospects (Reddish and Hunter), but a starting five featuring Trae, Oladipo, Collins, and Capela would definitely be more than enough to, at least, make it back to the playoffs.
3. Los Angeles Lakers
Trade Package: Kyle Kuzma, Danny Green, Quinn Cook, Alex Caruso
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the teams to beat this season but it’s still clear that they could use a third star and go-to-scorer. Kyle Kuzma regressed a lot this season and he just doesn’t look comfortable with the second unit and none of their other role players have stepped up.
Oladipo could give a major boost for Frank Vogel’s team as a lockdown defender in the backcourt and a third scoring choice. His athleticism and playmaking duties could also take some pressure off of LeBron James’ shoulders from time to time.
2. New York Knicks
Trade Package: Taj Gibson, Elfrid Payton, Frank Ntilkina, Kevin Knox, 2nd round pick
The New York Knicks have been tied to every single major name in the NBA for years now. It’s clear that they’re lost right now and are willing to do whatever it takes to land a marquee player and almost their entire roster is available in trade talks.
The Knicks have enough flexibility in their books to surround their star with enough role players to contend for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, so perhaps Oladipo could be the guy they’ve been waiting for decades. I think not, but hey, it’s the Knicks.
1. Miami Heat
Trade Package: Andre Iguodala, Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Future Pick
It’s been said that Pat Riley and the Miami Heat have had their eyes on Victor Oladipo for some time and you know Pat always finds the way to get what he wants. Whenever there’s a disgruntled star, the Miami Heat is the franchise to keep an eye on.
The Heat has put together an impressive young core that meshes around perfectly, so breaking it up for Oladipo could backfire, especially considering they’d lose a lot of shooting. Even so, when you’re so close to contending for a Championship, you pull the trigger when you have the chance to land an All-Star.
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