Victor Oladipo (right) has expressed a general apathy toward the Rockets ever since he first arrived earlier this season. Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Victor Oladipo explains why he turned down Rockets deal

Originally posted on Game 7 | By Anthony Amador | Last updated 3/2/21

Victor Oladipo recently turned down a two-year, $45.2 million maximum contract extension from the Houston Rockets.

Although that sum was the largest the franchise could offer him before the end of the regular season, Oladipo opted to pass.

During a session with the media, Oladipo explained what precisely transpired.

Rockets guard Victor Oladipo responds to the question about being offered a contract extension by the organization. #Rockets pic.twitter.com/oNNiRnKln5

— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) March 2, 2021

“That was a long time ago,” he said of the extension.

“They came at me with the offer. It was more along the lines of, ‘We know you’re not going to accept it, but we still want you to understand that we want you here.’

“It was more that gesture, than anything. Didn’t go out of my way to ask, or anything like that. It was just kind of put in front of me, or given to me, to show that they want me to be here,” he continued.

“I didn’t get a chance to say yes or no. They already were under the understanding, or they knew I wasn’t going to accept it, anyway. It’s business. That’s how this business works. I’m just focused on getting better. I’ve got to get minutes. Everything else will take care of itself.”

Oladipo has expressed a general apathy toward the Rockets ever since he first arrived earlier this season.

Popular wisdom is that the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent has his sights set on three potential landing spots come the offseason, and none of them is Houston.

This article first appeared on Game 7 and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: