According to sources, Knicks GM Scott Perry, who drafted Oladipo when with Orlando, would like to explore that avenue, but Knicks president Leon Rose is less eager. Oladipo has yet to return to elite form since knee surgery nearly two years ago.
More on Victor Oladipo Trade?
According to sources, Oladipo is not as available as he might have been over the summer. He quickly has forged a strong relationship with Pacers new coach Nate Bjorkgren, but the 2019 All-Star is in the final year of his contract.
Gary Washburn: #Pacers-#Celtics sign-and-trade update. Hayward wants to play in Indiana. He's told the #Celtics that. IND offering Turner and McDermott BOS wants Turner and Warren or Oladipo. That's a big difference.
Last week, The Indianapolis Star reported that while he was in the bubble, Oladipo repeatedly asked opposing players whether they’d be interested in having Oladipo as a teammate. “It is what it is, it’s over with now. Emotions were felt. I have no ill will toward anybody,” Oladipo said. “I love everyone, I pray for everyone, that’s just the kind of guy I am. I just look forward to playing for the Pacers and winning a championship for the state of Indiana.”
Eric Woodyard: A source tells ESPN that Victor Oladipo has always said he wants to win and he has said he wants to win in Indiana.
Two-time All-Star Victor Oladipo has informed the Pacers that he is fully committed to the franchise and the direction of the team entering this upcoming season, Oladipo told The Athletic's Shams Charania.
"I know there have been people saying that I have asked players to trade for me. That's just not true, period. I love my teammates, I cherish the state of Indiana and I'm focused on leading this franchise to a title," Oladipo told The Athletic.
Oladipo, 28, is not expected to entertain an extension this offseason due to the limits of the collective bargaining agreement in relation to what Indiana can offer. He has stated publicly and privately he wants to play for a team that is aspiring to compete for a championship.
The Mavericks are looking all over for a secondary playmaking presence behind Luka Doncic; they’re chasing Indiana’s Victor Oladipo, Brooklyn’s Spencer Dinwiddie, and Chicago’s Zach LaVine.
NBA Central: Victor Oladipo’s sister and Myles Turner 👀 pic.twitter.com/RQm3EdSbNL
According to IndyStar’s J. Michael, Indiana president Kevin Pritchard has discussed Victor Oladipo trades “often,” including in three-team deals with center Myles Turner.
Jordan Heck: Victor Oladipo asked other teams "Can I come play with y'all?" in front of his Pacers teammates, per @ThisIsJMichael
The Bucks are also eyeing Indiana's Victor Oladipo, though no substantive talks with the Pacers have taken place, sources say. Other teams are monitoring the Oladipo situation, but several of them would like to see Oladipo in action before engaging Indiana, sources say.
The New York Knicks had past interest in Oladipo, sources say, but they might have shifted into "wait and watch" mode. Oladipo would be an interesting fallback option as the Brooklyn Nets' "third star," though I'd be very surprised if Brooklyn dealt Caris LeVert for him.
League sources say the Pacers have talked with the Bucks about a trade involving Oladipo, though at this point it seems unlikely. Oladipo could be acquirable for the right price if the Sixers wanted to bet on a return to his pre-injury form.
Indiana guard Victor Oladipo: A source said Oladipo likes Indiana and would be happy staying there with a big new contract, but that if he were to leave, Miami would be No. 1 on his list. But Heat's interest will depend entirely on how he plays next season and Miami’s success in trying to lure a bigger fish.
Indiana could trade him over the next year - rather than lose him for nothing - but it’s doubtful Miami would sacrifice major assets for Oladipo in a trade, partly because nobody knows if he will return to his former All Star form.
If Nunn and cap flexibility are the players involved, those future picks will have to fly. If we throw Robinson into the mix, it becomes easier to not have to part with future picks. If Herro is involved, there is no need to attach future picks. It’s just hard to see Herro being involved unless they’re acquiring Giannis or Beal in a potential trade. League sources believe a trade for Oladipo wouldn’t even consider including Herro on Miami’s end of it. “Riley hangs up.”
Kravitz: The Pacers understand, they can't and won't spend the kind of money that other teams spend, so they've got to be more creative and forward-thinking with their approach. At this point, there's still no public indication whether Victor Oladipo will remain with the Pacers; he gave off a get-me-outta-here vibe in recent months, but sources tell me it hasn't yet reached critical mass. They also have to decide whether they're going to move forward with the Myles Turner-Domantas Sabonis big-man pairing. Turner would seem the more likely focus of a trade if they go that way.
Indiana Pacers star guard Victor Oladipo has seen his name included in multiple trade rumors of late. As it turns out, however, not everyone believes that the 28-year-old holds as much value as some may think. In a recent appearance on the The Hoop Collective with Brian Windhorst, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps explained why he thinks not too many teams will be lining up to trade for Oladipo in the coming offseason. Transcribed by RealGM: “I think it’s unlikely Oladipo gets traded because of how weird his past year has been,” said Bontemps. “Both coming back from the injury, and frankly, not being very good after coming back from the injury. “From talking to people around the league, I don’t think his value is nearly as high as his name brand would suggest at the moment. And I think it’s more likely that the Pacers go into the season and either hope he plays really well and they do great and he decides to stay. Or that he plays better and they maybe trade him later, when his value goes up soon.”
"I'll give you a team I'm keeping an eye on with Victor Oladipo," said Zach Lowe on his podcast. "Milwaukee. Just keeping my eye on them. That's all I'm going to say. I'm keeping my eye on them.
Hayward would return home (he was born in Indianapolis and went to high school in the suburb of Brownsburg), giving the Pacers a player to potentially replace Victor Oladipo on the wing. Oladipo is heading into the last year of his contract, and several executives around the league believe Indiana will shop him this offseason. Boston may not have the willingness to give up the kind of assets needed to take on Oladipo, but Turner might be attainable.
Oladipo’s contract is up after the 2020-21 season. Since January, there have been rumblings among my own league sources about Oladipo’s openness to a trade. Oladipo himself told rapper Fat Joe that he values winning over being a team’s best player. Does Indiana offer the best of both worlds, or does Miami, the city he already trains in and calls home during the offseason? This is assuming the Heat would even want Oladipo, who didn’t look like an All-Star this season after his return from a major knee injury. Any team interested in Oladipo, including the Heat, should probably wait. But Miami has options as it awaits a disgruntled star who wants out.
While Rose, the Knicks rookie president, has Paul on his trade radar, putting together a package for younger Pacers’ guard Victor Oladipo is expected to be a higher priority, according to NBA officials.
What’s paramount in the Knicks’ potential interest is GM Scott Perry drafted Oladipo while with Orlando and still is enamored. Once Perry falls in love, it’s permanent. Just ask former Orlando lottery picks, Mario Hezonja and Elfrid Payton, two recent Knicks free-agent signees.
One NBA personnel man said Dallas’ two first-round picks (2021, 2023), Julius Randle and Dennis Smith Jr. or Frank Ntilikina could whet the Pacers’ appetite. The 28-year-old Oladipo made the All-Star teams in 2018 and 2019, but could have lost explosiveness after tearing a tendon in his knee late in the 2018-19 season. Oladipo didn’t look sharp upon his return.
However, on Wednesday, the Pacers’ star guard joined rapper Fat Joe on Instagram Live to share his thoughts on his future with the team. “I’m a Pacer. I’m a Pacer… Those rumors on the internet, I don’t know where they’re coming from, I’m just focused on getting my knee right for next year,” Oladipo exclaimed.
Oladipo also expressed his desire to win, noting how a championship defines a player’s legacy in today’s NBA. “Everybody who knows me knows that I’m all about winning.” Oladpio added. “I feel that that’s what you’re defined as in this game.”
Ian Begley: And I would think that Oladipo is looking for a max contract when he becomes a free agent in the summer of 2021. So I wouldn't be surprised at all, if the Pacers at least considered trading Oladipo because they know they may not be able to resign-him. I think if you're the Knicks or the Nets, you have to gauge what you think Oladipo would be when he's healthy because he's coming off that significant injury, you have to gauge whether you'd be willing to commit a max salary to him next summer. I do know that some people with the Knicks are very high on Oladipo but I don't know if top-decision makers are high in Oladipo.
Staying in Indiana for a moment, fresh off reports of an unsettled locker room and one Eastern Conference executive betting that the Pacers trade two-time All-Star Victor Oladipo before next season, I heard from a league source that “he wants out,” and that there are whispers of the Knicks being a potential trade partner.
There’s a through line from there to the Victor Oladipo situation too, as the 28-year-old guard is one year away from free agency and rumblings had persisted that he didn’t plan on re-signing with the Pacers. Could playing for a free-wheeling coach like D’Antoni whose style has sparked so many career years for players in the past improve the dynamic here, or might the Pacers trade Oladipo this offseason before he gets a chance with the new coach? The answer, as of now, is unclear.
NBA Central: NBA insiders expect the Pacers to trade Victor Oladipo this off-season, per Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report "I bet they trade him." - Former Eastern conference executive "Oladipo can control [a trade] if he says he won't re-sign anywhere else." - Former executive pic.twitter.com/TdVVcmVBa7
Since he’s come back to you guys, there’s been some noise about him looking ahead towards his free agency. And, you know, you’ve been around the league long enough now where you see this stuff all the time, but teams like the Heat get mentioned. From your perspective, what do you make of that free agency talk a year in advance? Myles Turner: I mean, it’s just the media doing what the media does. They have to gaslight certain situations, and you know I don’t think much of it, because like you said, it’s really a year out. Ultimately, it’s going to be up to him and the decision he wants to make, or the decision the front office wants to make. So, until then, all you can do is control what you can control and just hoop on the floor. I think if he continues to be himself, then he can kind of create his own destiny, so I don’t pay much attention to all that stuff.
When you guys are in the locker room, obviously you hear about that stuff, or you see it on Twitter. Do you guys as his teammates and as friends also do you guys talk about that stuff? Myles Turner: Nah, man, we’re all professionals. We all know that, like I said, the media has to gaslight certain things to create a story or create a narrative. We really don’t care. We just play basketball.
Of course, with the Pelicans already a playoff contender, they'll be tempted to shop for the next disgruntled All-Star to ask out. Could that be a player like Bradley Beal or Victor Oladipo? That would reverse the Pelicans' role, putting them on the opposite side of the table from when Davis forced his way out of New Orleans.
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Heat are still looking to add more star power to their roster around Jimmy Butler and he thinks Oladipo is at the top of their wishlist. I would put him No. 1 on the most likely list if Miami doesn’t get Antetokounmpo, and if he returns to his old form — two big ifs.
With the Knicks in a great spot salary cap-wise and in position to be aggressive if the opportunity to acquire a star player arises, could New York soon make a play for Victor Oladipo of the Indiana Pacers? Teams will be keeping an eye on the Pacers this offseason, reports SNY's Ian Begley, who notes that the intrigue around Indiana will continue because the team has $58 million in 2021-22 salary committed to Myles Turner, Domantas Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon -- potentially putting the team in a tough spot when it comes to locking up Oladipo in the summer of 2021.
Oladipo is set to earn $21 million in 2020-21 during what is the final season of a four-year deal. If Oladipo were to become available, the Knicks are well-positioned to make an aggressive push.
With the Knicks in a great spot salary cap-wise and in position to be aggressive if the opportunity to acquire a star player arises, could New York soon make a play for Victor Oladipo of the Indiana Pacers? Teams will be keeping an eye on the Pacers this offseason, reports SNY's Ian Begley, who notes that the intrigue around Indiana will continue because the team has $58 million in 2021-22 salary committed to Myles Turner, Domantas Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon -- potentially putting the team in a tough spot when it comes to locking up Oladipo in the summer of 2021.
Oladipo is set to earn $21 million in 2020-21 during what is the final season of a four-year deal. If Oladipo were to become available, the Knicks are well-positioned to make an aggressive push.
The Pacers’ offseason is more complicated than it seems on the surface, and it all starts with Oladipo. In a simple world, they could just sign Oladipo to a contract extension for whatever amount. The reality is more limiting — the Pacers are capped at offering $25 million a year in an extension, a 20 percent raise on the $21 million he’s due this season. Over four seasons, that’s still quite a deal — over $100 million, and one that would pay Oladipo until he’s 32.
In some ways, this limitation makes life easier for the Pacers. Instead of haggling with Oladipo over whether he’s a max player or not, they can throw their hands up and say the rules cap them at $25 million. It’s a fair offer, too, considering the injury concerns with Oladipo and the questions about paying him into his 30s. But in some ways, it makes life more difficult, too. If Oladipo decides he wants to bet on himself this coming season in the hope that he can get a max deal (four years, $150 million) and choose his destination, the Pacers are powerless to prevent it. The 2021 free-agent market will be flush with cash, too, so Oladipo will not lack for suitors.
So if they can’t get an extension done, they may be in a position where it makes sense to trade him … except his trade value is at a low ebb right now because teams didn’t get a long look at him post-injury. If they can get an extension done it’s all good, but if not they have a problem.
Well, let’s start with Oladipo because this is a significant fork in the road for the franchise. They had some talks last fall before the season but shelved discussions until the summer — which is code for ‘we want more’ from Oladipo’s side. It’s difficult for me to imagine the Pacers going into the 2020-21 season without either an extension or trade for Oladipo. Fans will be thinking here’s the Paul George situation all over again, and since Indy is not a destination for free agents, the Pacers can’t let Oladipo walk for anything next summer.
Jeff Goodman: One league exec just told me this trade was a win-win for Sam Presti because he gets out from Oladipo’s contract - $21 million per year.
The Indiana Pacers have agreed to trade four-time All-Star forward Paul George to the Oklahoma City Thunder, sources tell ESPN's Ramona Shelburne. As part of the deal, the Pacers will acquire guard Victor Oladipo and big man Domantas Sabonis, sources said.
Sam Amick: Paul George coming to Oklahoma City via trade, I can confirm. Oladipo and Sabonis headed to Indy. @Ramona Shelburne first reported.
Shams Charania: Sources: Indiana has completed trade of Paul George to Oklahoma City for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis.
Anthony Slater: New Thunder players unlikely to be introduced until early next week. Physicals still must be completed. Ibaka must return from overseas.
“Tonight represented an opportunity to build the versatility, depth and skill of our basketball team. Victor, Ersan and Domantas represent the character, work ethic and toughness that we relentlessly pursue with the Thunder. Through the continued emergence and development of our core, we were able to capitalize on the opportunity to acquire three highly skilled professionals,” said Sam Presti. “I want to acknowledge Serge for his contributions to the ongoing legacy of the Thunder. He has been integral to our success and growth, has been a great community member and we wish him only the best.”
“Serge (Ibaka) is a young veteran who brings tremendous athleticism and toughness to our frontcourt. His tireless work ethic and wealth of playoff experience will help enhance our culture and roster. We thank Victor (Oladipo) for all of his contributions both on the court and in the community. We wish him and Ersan (Ilyasova) the best of luck in the future,” said Rob Hennigan.
Adrian Wojnarowski: Orlando will send Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova and rights to Sabonis to the Thunder, sources said.
Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon, Mario Hezonja, Victor Oladipo, Elfrid Payton and Nik Vucevic aren’t going anywhere. The Orlando Magic will not trade any member of their young nucleus before this season’s NBA trade deadline expires on Thursday afternoon, general manager Rob Hennigan told the Orlando Sentinel tonight.
The only way that changes is if another team swoops in and makes an offer the Magic can’t refuse. But no offer of that kind is likely.
The youth-laden Magic have made it known they are in the market for veterans as they continue to slide out of playoff contention. Sources say Orlando has been willing to discuss the prospect of moving some of its more familiar names, including former No. 2 overall pick Victor Oladipo and the recently re-signed Tobias Harris.
Already, trade rumors are swirling, with one New York-based writer saying a source "claims" the Magic have spoken with the Atlanta Hawks about a potential swap that would include Oladipo and the Hawks' former All-Star point guard, Jeff Teague. "Everybody hears rumors," Oladipo said Wednesday. "But at the end of the day you control what you can control. My Lord and Savior will put me wherever He wants me to be. So I've just got to trust that and just go out and play for my team. I'm worried about winning games. I'm not worried about all the other stuff I can't control."
The Magic have been linked to Atlanta Hawks point guard Jeff Teague. The word around the situation is the Magic have at least explored the idea of a Jeff Teague for Victor Oladipo swap. However, sources close to the Hawks said the team was still weighing options and conversations with Orlando are still taking place, as the Hawks are likely taking their decision on whether to deal all the way to the deadline.
The Magic have a role for Oladipo. He’ll be their sixth man this year and they’ll look at things in the offseason. For those that believe Oladipo is somehow obtainable in trade, he really is not. It would take a monster of a transaction to get Orlando to even seriously talk about it.
