Knicks Rumors: 3 guards linked to New York for next season

Knicks trade target: Victor Oladipo

As the world turns, the Knicks are in search of a star player to jumpstart their rebuild at Madison Square Garden. While it might be difficult for the team to acquire a top-5 player in the league, they could find a realistic option in trading for Pacers guard Victor Oladipo.

After missing an entire calendar year due to a torn quad in his right leg, the 6-foot-6 All-Star had just returned back to action before the season was suspended. How he looks when (if?) the league returns to play in Orlando, will set the stage for a possible bidding war in the trade market.

The Pacers are set to face a difficult situation with their salary cap in the summer of 2021 when Oladipo is due to become a free agent. They already have $58 million committed to Myles Turner, Domantas Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon, which could make it difficult to sign the 2017-18 Most Improved Player to a large contract.

A Western Conference coach recently speculated that if Oladipo “looks the part” in returning to form, a team, like the Knicks, could try to trade for him. Ian Begley of SNY has also speculated Oladipo could be an option for the Knicks.

The Indiana product had a breakout season in 2017-18, earning a third-team All-NBA selection, along with a first team All-Defensive team honor. After proving himself to be a rising star in the league, he suffered a major injury which creates risk in whether he can reach his All-Star status again.

If Oladipo looks good in Orlando, expect the Knicks to have open ears if he becomes available on the trade market.