New York Knicks: 3 reasons to trade for Victor Oladipo
By Chip Murphy
The New York Knicks have been linked to Victor Oladipo for awhile.
SNY’s Ian Begley stated back in September: “Some people with the Knicks are very high on Oladipo, but I don’t know if top decision-makers are high on Oladipo.” More recently, The New York Post’s Marc Berman reported the Knicks were monitoring Oladipo and Bradley Beal’s situations.
It makes sense. Oladipo is a CAA guy, and he has ties to general manager Scott Perry from their time with the Orlando Magic. If Oladipo went to Kentucky, this would seemingly be a lock.
You have to think Oladipo would be interested in coming to New York. Last season, Oladipo was reportedly shopping himself to players on other teams. The David Fizdale/Mike Miller Knicks were one of those teams. If he was interested in being a Knick when they stunk, it’s likely his interest has piqued.
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The New York Knicks are reportedly interested in a trade for Victor Oladipo. These are three reasons they should trade for the former All-NBA guard.
But the Knicks likely could’ve had Oladipo when he was still with the Pacers. If those reports from Begley and Berman prove one thing, it’s that we don’t really know what the Knicks think of Oladipo.
There’s plenty of reason for Leon Rose to be hesitant. Oladipo is about to turn 29 years old, and he hasn’t looked the same since returning from a knee injury that caused him to miss a majority of the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons. He’s also set to become a free agent at the end of this season.
Unlike previous regimes, this front office has been patient. They’ve signed smart contracts and held onto their first-round picks. Making this trade hinges on two factors: The price being right and knowing Oladipo won’t walk at the end of the season. Losing him for nothing would be a disaster.
Rose and his staff weren’t willing to overpay for Tom Thibodeau favorite Derrick Rose. It’s unlikely they’d be willing to do that for Oladipo either. With New York in the unimaginable position they are in right now, it would be foolish not to sniff around the former All-NBA guard.
The cheapness of Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta and the lack of motive for Oladipo to want to stay in Houston long-term makes this trade a legitimate possibility. These are three reasons to make the deal.