NBA Trade Rumors: 10 potential trade candidates on expiring contracts

PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 26: General Manager Neil Olshey of the Portland Trail Blazers speaks with General Manager Rafael Stone of the Houston Rockets during warm ups before the game against the Houston Rockets at Moda Center on December 26, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

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NBA trade rumors (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Potential trade candidate No. 4: Victor Oladipo

Victor Oladipo’s name has been swirling around the rumor mill since the offseason. He was traded once this season, but that shouldn’t stop the Houston Rockets from dealing him to another team before the trade deadline.

Oladipo has experienced somewhat of a resurgence since he struggled last season after recovering from a ruptured quadriceps tendon. He’s looked like his All-Star self at times, and while he still has some hiccups on offense, he’s improved his defense back to the level we were used to seeing prior to the devastating leg injury.

In 18 appearances this season, he’s averaging 19.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. His shooting splits still aren’t where you would like to see (.402/.329/.746), but his explosiveness has returned.

Oladipo is sporting a nice 104.9 defensive rating on the season, but in ten games since he’s joined the Rockets, it’s an impeccable 98.2. Oladipo is rounding back into form at the perfect time.

The 28-year-old, two-time All-Star is set to hit free agency for the first time of his career at the end of the season and one of the few players potentially on the trade block that can significantly impact the game, both offensively and defensively.

The Rockets would be wise to hold on to Oladipo and negotiate a contract extension with the way the team has been playing lately. Still, expectations are multiple playoff teams will make a play for Oladipo’s services before the trade deadline and this upcoming summer. What kind of packages these teams will be willing to give up for an expiring contract is another story.