A deal framework for Miami Heat target Victor Oladipo
The good news for the Heat is that there’s a chance they could pry Victor Oladipo from the Indiana Pacers for below market value. Since his torn quad, Oladipo hasn’t looked like his all-star self. Even though he played well during his return this season (before and after the hiatus), he still lacked the proper burst and efficiency that we saw him play during his first season and a half with the Pacers.
Oladipo averaged 15 points and four rebounds on 39 percent shooting from the field during the “regular season” and then 18 points and three assists per game on 39 percent shooting from the field and 36 percent shooting from 3-point range during the four playoff games against the Heat.
During his breakout season with the Pacers in 2017-18, Oladipo averaged 23 points, five rebounds, and four assists on 48 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent shooting from 3-point range. Who knows if he’ll ever be that player again after the injury, but if there’s on a place that could maximize his potential, it’s the Heat.
Plus, getting him and *only* having to give up Kendrick Nunn, Kelly Olynyk, and a first-round pick (2020) would be huge for the Heat. They’d be able to keep most of their depth and cash-in on the development of Nunn, who finished in the top 3 of NBA Rookie of the Year voting in 2020.