The Houston Rockets acquired Victor Oladipo from the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Kevin Porter Jr. trade. There’s an expectation around the NBA that the Rockets will look to use Oladipo’s $9.5 million salary and further second-round capital to improve the roster, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
There is little belief among NBA personnel that Oladipo will be ready to play much of this upcoming season following a torn patellar tendon in his left knee that required his third significant surgery in four years. Oladipo never reported to Oklahoma City after the Thunder acquired him from the Miami Heat for two second-round picks in July.
Oladipo played 20 games for the Rockets during the 2020-21 season. The two-time All-Star appeared in 42 games for the Heat last season. He averaged 10.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists off the bench while shooting 39.7% from the field, 33.0% from beyond the arc and 74.7% from the free-throw line.
The 31-year-old Oladipo suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee on April 22 against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Indiana product underwent surgery and missed the rest of the 2023 playoffs. The Heat made it all the way to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Denver Nuggets in five games.
Oladipo hasn’t been able to stay healthy for the past few seasons. He’s played for the Orlando Magic, Thunder, Indiana Pacers, Rockets and Heat, compiling career NBA averages of 16.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists.
The Rockets signed Fred VanVleet this offseason in free agency. They are expected to start VanVleet, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Şengün this season.
More must-reads: