According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, 2-time All-Star Victor Oladipo has been traded from the Houston Rockets to the Miami Heat.
Houston is trading Victor Oladipo to Miami, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021
In return, the Houston Rockets received Avery Bradley, Kelly Olynyk, and a 2022 pick swap.
Victor Oladipo to Miami Heat Trade Grades
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat went into the deadline at a perfect .500 after a horrid start to the season. The goal of the day was to acquire Kyle Lowry from the Toronto Raptors, but when Tyler Herro was deemed untouchable, the Heat went to plan B.
By acquiring Victor Oladipo, the Heat are clearly looking to make another deep push into the playoffs. Oladipo isn’t the same player that led the Pacers to a 5 seed after suffering a quad injury, but he has made clear this year that he is still an effective scorer and defender. So far, he is averaging 20.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists.
Oladipo should fit well next to Jimmy Butler. Having Oladipo as a running mate will allow Butler to focus on getting to the paint, playmaking, and drawing fouls; all while improving the spacing compared to Avery Bradley and Kelly Olynyk. In their munites apart, Oladipo should keep the offense afloat by creating shots off the dribble and maintaining pressure on the rim.
By parting with Kelly Olynyk and Avery Bradley, the Heat aren’t missing much. Olynyk is playing some of the best basketball in his career and is still shooting 31% from three. Avery Bradley on the other hand has only played 10 games so far this season, and is basically a non-factor, along with the pick swap.
Grade: A-
Houston Rockets
The NBA world watched the Rockets fall flat on their face with this move. Earlier this season, Oladipo was acquired in the trade for James Harden, and this trade must be evaluated through that lens.
When the Rockets traded James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets, they received Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen in return. Allen was sent to the Cavaliers and LeVert was sent to Indiana for Victor Oladipo. The Rockets effectively traded Caris LeVert and a second-round pick for 20 games of Victor Oladipo, Kelly Olynyk, Avery Bradley, and a pick swap.
Considering that the Rockets just came off of a 20 game losing streak, they should have been looking to rebuild. By passing on Caris Levert, the Rockets lost a young asset that would’ve meshed perfectly with young star Christian Wood. By refusing to commit to a rebuild earlier, the Rockers have unnecessarily extended their timeline and will continue the season with Harden’s leftovers, old veterans, and the first piece to their rebuild.
Grade: F
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