Golden State Warriors: The pros and cons of trading for Victor Oladipo
By Dalton Sell
Golden State Warriors: The cons of trading for Victor Oladipo
While Victor Oladipo brings a handful of helpful attributes to the table, the Golden State Warriors must also consider the potential risks in any potential deal.
Of course, the first question ultimately surrounds his health coming back from that devastating ruptured quad tendon injury. Oladipo has played in just 24 total games this season, and his numbers have been hit or miss, mostly inefficient. Can the guard shake off the rust and return to his All-Star permanently, or has he potentially lost a step?
Furthermore, the team must take into account the elephant in the room, that being Oladipo’s rumored interest in signing with the Miami Heat in free agency. The writing has been on the wall for months that Oladipo could potentially bolt to South Beach in free agency no matter where he finishes this season.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst confirmed Oladipo’s interest in joining the Heat this upcoming offseason on his Hoop Collective podcast while adding that the interest could be mutual:
"“I don’t think it’s any secret in the league Victor has a desire to play in Miami. He’d like to go there in free agency. They’re going to have cap space, so that may happen.”"
Oladipo could help the Warriors in the present, but would he genuinely make them a legitimate championship threat without Klay Thompson in the lineup this year? Likely not, even if he can get back up to speed. Even if Golden State did push their chips to the center of the table and brought him in, they must consider the long-term fit and the money he could be seeking.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the guard recently turned down a hefty two-year extension worth $45.2 million with the Rockets, meaning he is either eyeing max money, thinking about heading to Miami, or a combination of both.
Trading for the guard comes with no shortage of questions for any interested franchise, and that is why teams have been hesitant to make a move.