Victor Oladipo is on move again. After turning down a contract extension by the Houston Rockets, the team has decided to get what they can for him prior to the NBA Trade Deadline. After rumors of Miami being interested in his services, it is now official — Victor Oladipo has been traded to the Miami Heat.
This is the second time Oladipo has been moved this season. Earlier this year, he was part of the big James Harden trade, with the Indiana Pacers sending him to Houston. Now, Oladipo returns to the state where he began his NBA career. However, he will be with the Heat, competing for a title.
Victor Oladipo Trade to Heat
The Heat have been unable to get trades done this season due to their refusal to include second-year NBA Bubble darling Tyler Herro. However, Houston’s desperation kicked in and Miami was able to complete this deal without parting with their young guard.
Instead, the Heat will trade Kelly Olynyk and Avery Bradley for Victor Oladipo. The Rockets and Heat will also swap draft picks, per Shams.
After coming up short in the NBA Finals last season, the Heat hope Oladipo will be the missing piece to bring a championship back to South Beach. Oladipo does bring another guard that is capable of handling the ball. He can create for himself and others. While Oladipo has lost a step, he is also a capable perimeter defender.
Oladipo averaged 21.2 points and 5.0 assists during his short time in Houston. It is unclear how well a backcourt shared with some of the other talented guards in Miami will go. He will be given the ability to play off-ball more, but will he be successful in that role? Only time will tell.
