2021 NBA Trade Deadline: 10 predictions of what will happen

Prediction No. 4: Victor Oladipo ends up in Miami

Let’s face the facts. We all know that the Houston Rockets are rebuilding, despite having John Wall, Victor Oladipo and PJ Tucker as a huge chunk of their payroll. They have gotten younger and will continue to do so until they have a strong foundation for the future.

At the exact moment that Oladipo was moved to the Rockets, it was glaringly clear he didn’t belong there, we just didn’t know how much time he would spend there. Now, about two months later, he is still in Houston and the time is almost up.

For reasons not perfectly clear to anyone, the Rockets recently offered Oladipo a contract extension, which he turned down immediately. If you’re the Rockets, you’re faced with a big dilemma. Keep Oladipo and be somewhat relevant before likely losing him in free agency, or find a trade partner to get even something in return?

After 13 consecutive defeats, you’d think that the answer is pretty obvious. In the next few weeks, we’ll see if the front office agrees and will try to deal him to a team with young players and/or draft picks that will help with their rebuilding blueprint.

The Miami Heat are the obvious team to keep an eye on. Oladipo himself has previously expressed interest in the past and it is highly likely that he signs with the Heat in the summer as an unrestricted free agent.

After an impressive Finals run, the Heat have been in a lukewarm form so far, sitting just inside the playoff spots at the halfway mark. A player that fits the Heat culture like Oladipo can help them defend their Eastern Conference crown.