The Houston Rockets are likely to deal veteran guard Victor Oladipo before this Thursday’s trade deadline for the 2020-21 season, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Tuesday afternoon. A two-time All-Star, Oladipo was acquired by Houston in January as part of the blockbuster four-team trade that sent James Harden to Brooklyn.
Now 28 years old, Oladipo’s contract expires after this season. Given current NBA standings, the slumping Rockets (12-30) have little incentive to risk him leaving for no compensation in offseason free agency.
Houston (12-30) entered Tuesday with losses in 20 of its last 21 games, which has dramatically reduced the team’s chances at making a playoff push this season. As such, the upside of scenarios where the Rockets retain Oladipo would seem to be greatly diminished.
Teams such as Miami and New York have long been rumored as potential Oladipo suitors, but Woj says they’re “reluctant to offer premium packages,” since they can potentially sign him as a free agent in the offseason. However, Woj reports a trade market for Oladipo has developed among capped-out teams, who could be incentivized to give up more via trade — since they have no other means to acquire Oladipo.
Wojnarowski says the bidding includes a combination of a young player and a future first-round draft pick. “One thing has become clear: Houston is likely moving Oladipo before (the) deadline,” Wojnarowski writes.
https://twitter.com/wojespn/status/1374415695723687937
In 20 games with the Rockets, Oladipo is averaging 21.2 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in 33.5 minutes per game. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard is also one of Houston’s top defenders.
Thursday’s trade deadline arrives at 2 p.m. Central time.
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