We were discussing Victor Oladipo’s future earlier this week in our SB Nation Reacts survey, and now we have some insights into the future, as a report tonight by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski shows Dipo refusing a two-year extension, $ 45.2 millions with the Houston Rockets.
ESPN sources: Houston Rockets owner Victor Oladipo recently declined a $ 45.2 million two-year contract extension, most of the franchise is qualified to offer him now. https://t.co/Tl0Q4Gi6zy
– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 1, 2021
Oladipo, who came to H-town from the Indiana Pacers as part of the James Harden deal, has a contract that is expiring this season and, with that decline, it looks like his future is set. It is very unlikely that the new GM Rafael Stone will let Oladipo hang around, so expect him to be transferred before the March 25 deadline, as you all predicted in the poll.
Oladipo is currently averaging 18.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.2 steals in 39% of pitches, and his bidirectional skills would make him a great addition to the championship contender as third or fourth piece for a possible team to the title.
It seems that the direction of the Rockets is slowly taking shape here too, with the possibility of an existing full tank, with Christian Wood still out with an ankle injury and Oladipo not interested in committing to the organization in the long term.
While possibly morally discouraging, this is probably the best thing that can happen to Houston in the long run. Oladipo hasn’t made much of a difference in this talent-hungry Rockets team. He’s not that type of player who carries a club by himself. Therefore, not committing that money and, hopefully, getting something for it on the open market must be the best form of action. f
It appears to be a potentially busy negotiating deadline for Houston, with Oladipo, PJ Tucker and Eric Gordon, all possibly in contention for the conflicting teams.
And who knows? I do not support this, but there is always the possibility that Madeira will be traded as well. Despite being injured, he is in the middle of an explosion, and dealing with him at the peak possible value can always be a consideration if Houston wants to go all-in on a drat pick rebuild.
As the calendar turns to March, we’re about to find out what Stone’s plans will be.