Houston Rockets: 3 players likeliest to be dealt by NBA trade deadline

Houston Rockets: Third likeliest player to be dealt by trade deadline – Victor Oladipo

When the Houston Rockets acquired Victor Oladipo in the James Harden blockbuster, it was unclear whether he would ever put on their uniform. Soon after the deal went through, The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor reported that Oladipo still prefers to land with the Miami Heat and that Houston could be open to flipping him there or elsewhere for more assets.

However, that did not happen, and Oladipo has started in all seven of his games spent with the Rockets since. In that span, the former All-Star is averaging 21 points on .407/.340/.731 shooting splits, 4.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and one steal per game. Although a small sample size, those are some of the best numbers of Oladipo’s career, and his resurgence following a lengthy bout with recovery from a ruptured quad tendon could pique the interest of contending teams.

Now that the opposing front offices have gotten a good look at Victor Oladipo to ensure that he is once again healthy, they could be more compelled to make a move for him. The guard provides a solid two-way effort and could be a needle tipping addition for a handful of contenders. In the final year of a four-year deal worth $85 million, any potential suitor will inherit what is left of the final $21 million of his salary, which is digestible financially for many.

Oladipo seems content with staying with the Houston Rockets for now, but with rumblings about his desire to play in Miami looming, they could look to dish him for assets rather than lose him for nothing in free agency.