Miami Heat shooting guard Victor Oladipo has exercised his $9.4 million player option for next season, according to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Oladipo signed a two-year, $18.2 million deal with the Heat in July 2022 during unrestricted free agency.
Oladipo appeared in 42 games for the Heat this past 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 former All-Star 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, Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers, Houston Rockets and Heat, compiling career averages of 16.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Victor Oladipo & Miami Heat Updates
The 31-year-old Oladipo has made two All-Star teams, one All-NBA team and one All-Defensive Team. He won the 2017-18 Most Improved Player of the Year Award with the Pacers by averaging 23.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 75 games.
The Heat are interested in trading for Portland Trail Blazers superstar point guard Damian Lillard. They could use Oladipo’s salary as part of a trade package to acquire Lillard, who is open to playing for Miami if Portland rebuilds this summer. Lillard and Heat All-Star center Bam Adebayo are close friends.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Victor Oladipo & Miami Heat Updates
It will be interesting to see if Oladipo is on the Heat next season or on the Blazers. There’s also the possibility of the Heat trading Oladipo to another team besides Portland.
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