NBA Trade Rumors: Knicks eyeing Victor Oladipo, should he become available
NBA Trade Rumors: New York Knicks could target Victor Oladipo
Heading into the 2020 offseason, the New York Knicks are expected to be one of the busiest teams in attempting to improve its roster. They’ve already been connected to Chris Paul and will likely be a strong suitor for upcoming free agent Fred VanVleet.
The Knicks, among many priorities, will be looking for a starting point guard. A playmaker that they could stick next to the developing RJ Barrett. With the No. 8 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, it’s unlikely that one of the top point guards will fall to them.
That opens the door for New York potentially acquiring a point guard of their liking via trade – which also falls in line with why they would strongly pursue a free agent such as Fred VanVleet. One other player, however, that could emerge as a target for the Knicks, according to the New York Post, is Victor Oladipo.
More from Sir Charles In Charge
- Dillon Brooks proved his value to Houston Rockets in the 2023 FIBA World Cup
- NBA Trade Rumors: 1 Player from each team most likely to be traded in-season
- Golden State Warriors: Buy or sell Chris Paul being a day 1 starter
- Does Christian Wood make the Los Angeles Lakers a legit contender?
- NBA Power Rankings: Tiering all 30 projected starting point guards for 2023-24
"While Rose, the Knicks rookie president, has Paul on his trade radar, putting together a package for younger Pacers’ guard Victor Oladipo is expected to be a higher priority, according to NBA officials."
Oladipo may or may not be available during the offseason via trade. Even though Oladipo recently tried to quiet the whispers that he might want out of Indiana, there are many that believe he could be available during the offseason (subscription required) – especially if he refuses to sign a contract extension with the team.
If Oladipo is indeed available on the trade market this offseason, there will be a number of teams interested in the all-star guard. Even though he has struggled to look like his pre-injury all-star self, the hope is that he’ll be able to get back to that level once he shakes off the rust from his more than a year off.
During his last full season (before injury), Oladipo averaged 23 points, five rebounds, and four assists on 48 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent shooting from 3-point range. He was named an all-star and looked like a budding superstar.
However, in 19 games played this season, Oladipo looked like a shell of that all-star player, averaging 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists on 39 percent shooting from the field and 32 percent shooting from 3-point range.
At just 28 years old, Oladipo is a player that fits the Knicks more than a player like Chris Paul. Even though you could make a strong argument that Paul is the better player, Oladipo has the higher ceiling and is a much-younger player that could make more sense for a team like the Knicks that is on the younger side, and not very close to contending in the Eastern Conference.
dark. Next. NBA: 5 trades that could shake up the 2020 draft
Question is, would the New York Knicks actually pull the trigger on Victor Oladipo? It theoretically makes sense, but would the Knicks be able to resist the pull of the big-name that is Chris Paul?