NBA trade deadline target No. 1: Victor Oladipo
Victor Oladipo is probably the best player who may be available before the trade deadline, but that depends on which version of Oladipo you will get. Before rupturing his quad midway through the 2018-19 season, Oladipo looked like he was well on his way to superstardom.
He hasn’t been quite the same since his return, but this season he started to show flashes of his All-Star self at times. While he still has some hiccups on offense, he’s kicked up the defensive intensity back to the level that made him the 2017-18 steals champion before the devastating leg injury.
After struggling early on in his return from injury, Oladipo has picked up his play this season. He is averaging 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game in 20 games this season compared to the 14.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists he averaged in 19 games last season.
He can put the ball on the floor and get the defense on its heels, and his ability to play on or off the ball allows the coach to use him as a secondary playmaker or even the primary ball-handler. His skill set will allow him to fit seamlessly into any roster, and he’s always been a consummate professional.
Oladipo has missed the last four games nursing a foot injury, but if he can put his health issues behind him, any team (especially a playoff-bound team) would be lucky to have him.