NBA Rumors: Oladipo Could Be A Trade Target In The Near Future

Victor Oladipo is back in action after missing the early part of the 2019-20 NBA season. After getting sidelined by a ruptured right quad tendon, the former NBA Most Improved Player is due to be taken off minutes restriction soon. Once that is done, the Pacers should get a big boost as they shift gears in their drive for better positioning in the playoffs.

Since making an emphatic return in January, the 27-year-old has been doing well. In seven games, Oladipo has averaged 11.1 points, 2.0 and 2.9 assists in 25 minutes of action, per Basketball-Reference.com. Usually norming around 33.1 minutes per game, those numbers are expected to swell moving forward. The Pacers are currently 32-23 in the NBA Eastern Conference but a string of wins could catapult them towards a higher seed.

With Oladipo back in harness, there is also the matter of his next contract. The second overall pick is due for a new deal since his current one lapses after the 2020-21 NBA season. Though there is time to spare on a new pact, the key thing here is that both the Pacers and Oladipo come to terms. The veteran guard will likely want a long-term deal and it remains to be seen if the Pacers are ready to grant him that.

According to Tim Bontemps of ESPN, contract extension talks will be crucial. If both sides fail to agree, there is a chance Oladipo could be traded. Though that possibility is a bit remote for now, it may all depend on how well the two-time All-Star can recall his old form.

For now, all Oladipo wants is to lead the Pacers to an NBA title. It all starts by helping Indiana get a better position in the final eight of the NBA Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, that would be easier said than done. If the postseason wars were to start now, the Pacers would face the Boston Celtics. Things do not get easier from there with the Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks possibly looming as their next opponents.

Regardless, Oladipo is confident that the Pacers can go deep in the NBA playoffs. Among his goals is to lead the Pacers to a championship. For now, that may seem daunting unless head coach Nate McMillan can pull strings. That would include getting Malcolm Brogdon, Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner taking it to another level.