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The New York Knicks are almost always connected with the biggest NBA names in trade rumors, but rarely have they had the assets to pull off such a deal. But what if that big name is also a big-time reclamation project?
Such may be the case with Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo. A 28-year-old, two-time All-Star like Oladipo would normally cost a fortune, but he has major question marks since rupturing his quad in January of last year.
The rumor mill has long been churning out static that Oladipo wants out of Indy — who wouldn’t? — and Jonathan Macri has heard rumors that the Knicks could be interested.
Per Macri:
Staying in Indiana for a moment, fresh off reports of an unsettled locker room and one Eastern Conference executive betting that the Pacers trade two-time All-Star Victor Oladipo before next season, I heard from a league source that “he wants out,” and that there are whispers of the Knicks being a potential trade partner.
Oladipo was truly special in 2017-18, when he put up 23.1 points on 47.7/37.1/77.9 splits along with 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists and a league-leading 2.4 steals per game. But his shooting numbers dropped off significantly the next season even before the quad rupture, and that kind of injury can ruin careers.
Oladipo has one more year left on his deal at $21 million, and he’ll be due a big payday thereafter. If he can get back to his previous level, this deal would be a no-brainer. But the risks are significant. What do y’all think, Knicks fans?