:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68889138/usa_today_15496051.0.jpg)
We were just discussing the future of Victor Oladipo earlier this week in our SB Nation Reacts poll, and now we have some insight into the future, as a report tonight from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski has Dipo turning down a two-year, $45.2 million extension with the Houston Rockets.
ESPN Sources: Houston Rockets guard Victor Oladipo recently turned down a two-year, $45.2M contract extension, most the franchise is eligible to offer him now. https://t.co/Tl0Q4Gi6zy
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 1, 2021
Oladipo, who came to H-town from the Indiana Pacers as part of the James Harden deal, has an expiring contract this season, and with this decline, it appears his future is set. It’s highly unlikely that new GM Rafael Stone lets Oladipo walk for nothing, so look for him to be moved ahead of the March 25 deadline, just like you all predicted in the poll.
Oladipo is currently averaging 18.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.2 steals on 39 percent shooting from the field, and his two-way skills would make him a fine addition to championship contender as a third or fourth piece for a possible title team.
It appears the direction of the Rockets is slowly coming into shape here as well, with the possibility of a full-on tank existing, with Christian Wood still out with an ankle injury and Oladipo not interested in committing to the organization long-term.
Though possibly disheartening from a morale standpoint, this is likely the best thing that can happen for Houston in the long run. Oladipo hasn’t been a huge difference-maker on this talent-starved Rockets team. He’s not that type of player to carry a club by himself. So not committing that money and hopefully getting something for him on the open market should be the best form of action.
It’s shaping up to be potentially busy trade deadline for Houston, with Oladipo, P.J. Tucker, and Eric Gordon all possibly up for grabs to contending teams.
And who knows? I don’t support this, but there’s always the possibility that Wood gets traded as well. Despite being injured, he’s in the middle of breaking out, and dealing him at possible peak value could always be a consideration if Houston wanted to go all-in on a drat pick rebuild.
As the calendar flips over to March, we’re about to find out what Stone’s plans will be.