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Heat 'No. 1' on Oladipo's list if he leaves Pacers
Indiana Pacers' Victor Oladipo (4) shoots around Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo (13). Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

Heat 'No. 1' on Victor Oladipo's list if he leaves Pacers

Despite persistent rumors, Victor Oladipo remains steadfast in his desire to stay with the Indiana Pacers. However, according to the Miami Herald, if Indiana does not work out, Oladipo has another clear destination in mind: the Miami Heat.

"A source said Oladipo likes Indiana and would be happy staying there with a big new contract, but that if he were to leave, Miami would be No. 1 on his list," wrote the Herald's Barry Jackson.

Miami makes sense as a place that Oladipo would want to go. The Heat are the reigning champs in the Eastern Conference and look like they will be title contenders for the long run. The real question might be is the interest between Miami and Oladipo mutual? According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, it may not be.

"Oladipo has been connected to Miami for months now ... my feel is that Miami has their eye on bigger fish," Windhorst explained on "The Hoop Collective." "I’m not sure that the interest from Miami is as high as the interest from Oladipo."

If Oladipo is not the piece Miami is hoping to add, who is the "bigger fish" the Heat hope to reel in? The obvious answer is two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is set to become a free agent after next season. The Athletic's Shams Charania says that the Heat are "preparing to go all-in" in their pursuit of Giannis, though they are sure to have plenty of competition, as Giannis would be the biggest free agent since Kevin Durant left Oklahoma City and then the Warriors.

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