KEY POINTS

  • The Houston Rockets need to properly evaluate if Victor Oladipo will re-sign with the team in the offseason
  • Oladipo may prefer to move out and join a team in contention for the NBA title
  • The Miami Heat remain linked to Victor Oladipo, and a trade could go down by Mar. 25

The Houston Rockets should be aware that if they are not careful, one of their newest additions could be gone by this coming summer.

Victor Oladipo was part of that blockbuster James Harden trade, but pundits feel that he prefers to play for another team after the current NBA season.

Regardless, this will not stop the Rockets from trying to re-sign the two-time All-Star guard. Their first one failed.

Houston offered Oladipo a two-year contract extension worth $45.2 million, but the pitch was rejected by the 28-year-old player according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

For those who may not know, the 6-foot-4 guard is in the last year of his original four-year $85 million deal that he originally signed with the Indiana Pacers.

Oladipo is believed to be seeking a long-term deal, and the Rockets seem to be willing to accede to his request by the NBA offseason.

At that point, the Rockets can offer Victor Oladipo as much as a four-year $115 million contract. However, he could earn even more from other teams, figures that could balloon to as much as $151 million.

Oladipo has been doing well this season, despite coming off an injury. In 22 games, he has averaged 19.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists, notable jumps from his career-high averages of 17.4 markers, 4.6 boards, and 3.9 dimes.

But like other players, Oladipo wants to be with a team that can figure prominently. The Rockets hold low chances of making the NBA playoffs with an 11-21 win-loss record.

Also, the team is trying to pick up the pieces after blowing up their roster following the exit of James Harden and Russell Westbrook.

Victor Oladipo #7 of the Houston Rockets
Victor Oladipo #7 of the Houston Rockets Getty Images | Jonathan Bachman

Several teams are interested in Oladipo, further adding more spice to the pot. The Miami Heat have been identified as suitors, a club that could make sense for the All-Star guard.

If that is in the cards, the Rockets may have to decide. Do they stick with Oladipo until the offseason or trade him now?

Rockets team owner Tilman Fertitta may have to do a careful evaluation to see which road to take.

All is not lost, but unless the Rockets show some promise, Oladipo may be better off playing for another NBA club with promise.

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