Entering the NBA offseason, the Indiana Pacers will have to decide how they want to approach Victor Oladipo’s future with the organization. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves will have the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft at their disposal.
If the Timberwolves were willing to take a risk by making a move for Oladipo, there would be a real pathway for both sides to get a deal done. The trade package Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report suggested featured the Pacers receiving the No. 1 pick, Jarrett Culver, and James Johnson in exchange for Oladipo.
The idea for the Timberwolves is that taking a risk on Oladipo could pay off. If he manages to return to pre-injury form, a trio consisting of Karl Anthony-Towns, D’Angelo Russell, and Oladipo could be an interesting combination to challenge in the Western Conference.
The Pacers are in a situation where moving Oladipo makes the most sense if they fail to reach an agreement on a contract extension this offseason. Being able to pull off a deal that nets the No. 1 pick along with a wing prospect in Culver would be an intriguing possibility.
With the option of having any prospect in this year’s draft class, the Pacers would be able to choose from Anthony Edwards, LaMello Ball, or Deni Avdija to name a few. Who’s to say Indiana couldn’t turn around and try to flip the No. 1 pick as an option, too?
The bottom line is the Timberwolves would be facing multiple layers of risk in this scenario. Minnesota would not only have to believe that Oladipo can return to pre-injury form, but also that an agreement on a contract extension is do-able.
It’s fascinating to think about the idea of the Timberwolves moving the No. 1 pick, but if they do, it appears there are safer options out there to pursue instead of a Victor Oladipo trade. The timing is just difficult to say it’s their best bet.
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