New York Knicks: Revisiting 3 previous trade rumors

Knicks trade for Victor Oladipo: 30% Chance

Here’s the thing with Victor Oladipo – It’s hard to estimate how much he’d cost in a trade. Oladipo is 28 years old and in the last year of his contract. He has significant injury history: Since breaking out with the Pacers in 2017-18, Oladipo played in just 36 games in 2018-19 and just 19 games in 2019-20 due to a brutal knee injury.

Oladipo’s numbers with the Rockets haven’t been nearly as efficient as they were with the Pacers. He’s shooting just under 39% from the field and an abysmal 29.9% from 3. All of these factors should scare you away from Oladipo, but maybe… they present an opportunity to buy low on a player who could be worth much more.

The biggest issue for me is the contract – Not knowing whether or not Oladipo would re-sign with the Knicks should they trade for him. I do think that the new culture around the Knicks is something players would want to be a part of, and it could be a great opportunity for a fresh start for Oladipo.

The Rockets have done an admirable job of rebuilding their team while remaining somewhat competitive. They know Oladipo could easily walk in free agency this summer, and perhaps they’ll try and get a young player or an extra draft pick for him to continue their rebuild.

Realistic packages the Knicks could give up for Oladipo:

• The Detroit Pistons’ 2021 2nd Round pick, Reggie Bullock
• Kevin Knox, Alec Burks

It’s not a lot to give up for a player like Oladipo. What Oladipo could bring to the Knicks is what I eluded to earlier, something that JJ Redick can’t bring: Versatility and playmaking. Oladipo is averaging just under 5 assists per game this season, and it’s his 3rd straight season averaging over 4 assists as a secondary playmaker.

The Knicks’ offensive woes aren’t just about shooting, they’re about ball movement. Starting Oladipo at the two-guard while Barrett mans the small forward spot would give the Knicks multiple slashers and extra ballhandlers. It would keep the defensive intensity intact.

Oladipo is a competitive defender and I think he’d have no problem fitting in with the Knicks’ lineup and scheme. You’d have to hope that Oladipo would fit better with this team than he is with the Rockets and that his shooting efficiency would improve.

Trading for Oladipo certainly comes with a lot of risks, but all things considered, I think he’s the rumored trade target that makes the most sense of anyone. I still don’t believe it’s likely the Knicks make another move before the trade deadline, but if they do, I think Oladipo’s fit with the team could be worth it if the price is right.