Miami Heat made a big swing ahead of the NBA’s trade deadline sending Avery Bradley and Kelly Olynyk to Houston Rockets for All-Star guard Victor Oladipo.
Reportedly, the Heat also agreed to give the Rockets the rights for first-round pick swaps in 2022.
The trade was confirmed on Miami’s official social media on Friday.
Oladipo landed in Houston in January as part of the four-team trade that sent James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets. The Rockets passed on Caris LeVert in order to land the 28-year-old Oladipo, believing he could be the future of the franchise.
But it didn’t take much for the Rockets to fall out of love with Oladipo. Despite averaging 21.2 points since joining the franchise, he didn’t look close to his All-Star form, and there was the danger of him walking out for nothing in free agency.
In order to avoid being left empty-handed, the Rockets pulled the trigger on a trade that many believe was bad for them. While Bradley and Olynyk are solid players, they are not difference-makers that Oladipo certainly can be.
Heat, on the other hand, managed to get themselves a player that can greatly impact the rest of the season. After limping to a 22-23 record so far in 2020/21, the expectations are that with the addition of Victor Oladipo, Miami can turn around their fortunes and once again make a run for the NBA Finals.
Oladipo entered the league as Orlando Magic’s No.2 pick in 2013. He also played for Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers, averaging 17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists throughout his career.
