The Houston Rockets’ Victor Oladipo experiment hasn’t gone according to plan.
The Rockets traded for a disgruntled Oladipo after dealing James Harden earlier this season. So far, it hasn’t gone well, with Houston losers of 20 straight games. The Rockets are in clear sell mode at this point, and are willing to get rid of any of their assets for the right price.
Despite his potential, Oladpio is attainable for the right asking price. Dipo turned down a two-year, $45+ million contract earlier this year. He doesn’t want to stay in Houston long-term, and it’s tough to blame him given recent events.
So, where would be a good landing spot for Oladipo?
Victor Oladipo could be traded back to his old stomping grounds in Orlando
The expectation around the league was that the Rockets were looking for a first-round pick in exchange for Oladipo, per Kevin O’Connor.
However, Houston is getting creative in negotiations, willing to take on Aaron Gordon, a talented big man, for Oladipo. Teams have been reluctant to give up a first rounder for Oladipo, as he’s struggled to retain his status as one of the better up-and-coming shooting guards in the NBA. In order to nab Gordon, the Rockets offer would have to include more than just Oladipo. As of now, it’s unclear if they’ve given in to that demand.
Oladipo is averaging 20 points-per-game so far this season on 42 percent shooting and at a 36 percent clip from behind the arc. It’s not perfect production, but he can certainly be a third option on an elite playoff team.
Orlando is not necessarily that, but perhaps the Magic are hoping he will round back into form in a familiar setting.