Oladipo’s Transfer Speculation Lingers Among Several NBA Clubs

Indiana Pacers of America basketball club youngster, Victor Oladipo has been hit with another bolt of controversy, following varying shades of information trailing his purported desire for a transfer from his current team, BSNSports.com.ng reports.   So soon aft the Cupid-faced Nigerian-born youngster faced torrid media splash over his initial decision to refrain from playing in the season-ending mini-competition of USA’s National Basketball Association (NBA), Oladipo is now in the news with rash of reports about his likely next port of call.   The reports, though, appear controversial to the letter, as several clubs have been touted with interest in the youngster, but his club officials at Pacers are yet to make any official statement about a likely trade for the injury-plagued youngster.   Indeed, it was a long bout with injury all through 2019 that started his recent woes, as Oladipo could not pay the entire season before last due to fitness issues and wanted to stay away from ‘The Bubble’ in order not to get a relapse.   Sadly, he eventually made a U-turn and agreed to play in Orlando, Florida, only for him to bow out in the third game and eventually missed his side’s fruitless search for a ticket to the NBA Finals, after which speculation arose over his future.   NBA observers are now entwined in heated debate about Oladipo’s future, with two leading writers unearthing various angles to the story, but neither affirming if indeed the Nigerian-born lad will be leaving Indiana this off-season.   Kurt Helin of NBC Sports stated: “Victor Oladipo trade rumors — to the Lakers, Nets, Clippers, Bucks, Knicks, and others have been mentioned — are thriving among fans and pundits. However, in the real world, teams are being far more cautious after watching Oladipo play last season. Zach Lowe of ESPN has the details.   “Other teams are monitoring the Oladipo situation, but several of them would like to see Oladipo in action before engaging Indiana, sources say. Oladipo has struggled since his leg injury in January 2019, but he’s only 28 and two years removed from an All-NBA season — and on an expiring contract, which might deflate his trade value.   “If you don’t give up too much now, letting Oladipo walk after the season (in the worst case) doesn’t kill you. If Oladipo recovers 90% of peak form, any team that trades for him has a leg up on re-signing him (or extending him) through his prime.   “After being traded to Indiana (as part of the Paul George deal), Oladipo had a breakout, All-NBA season. He looked like a max player, but the next season he ruptured his quadriceps tendon. Last season played in 19 games and, while there were strong stretches, he has a long way to go to get back to his peak form again.   “That said, even this Oladipo is a solid player who could help a contending team. Oladipo makes $21 million this season — wants his next contract to be a max — and reportedly wants out of Indiana (something he denies). He works as a third option on a contender, yet because his deal is expiring it doesn’t mess with 2021 cap space. There will be genuine interest in him.   “It just may be closer to the deadline. Unless the Pacers and Oladipo can figure out a contract extension (not likely, but possible). Expect a lot more Oladipo rumors out there. Just know a deal may be a ways away.”