Victor Oladipo has made a change to his representation, according to Liz Mullen of SportsBusiness Journal, who reports (via Twitter) that the Magic guard has signed with CAA Sports agents Leon Rose and Mitch Nathan. Oladipo was previously represented by Raymond Brothers at IAM Sports and Entertainment.
Oladipo won’t be eligible for free agency this season, but July 1st will still be an important date for his contract situation. When the new league year begins, Oladipo will be eligible for a contract extension for the first time in his career. Assuming they don’t trade him, the Magic will have the opportunity to extend the 24-year-old’s contract anytime between July 1st and October 31st. If the two sides don’t work out a deal by that point, Oladipo will remain on track for restricted free agency in 2017.
Whether or not the Magic will push to work out an extension with Oladipo remains to be seen. The former second overall pick was the subject of at least one trade rumor back in February, and while his production has been steady over the last couple years, he hasn’t taken a big step forward through his first three seasons. Many of Oladipo’s 2015/16 numbers (16.0 PPG, .438 FG%, 4.8 RPG) were right in line with his career averages (15.9 PPG, .431 FG%, 4.4 RPG).
Oladipo will earn a salary worth about $6.55MM in 2016/17, and if he and the Magic don’t work out an extension this fall, he’d be in line for a qualifying offer in the neighborhood of $8.55MM next summer. The moves Orlando makes this July could signal whether the team still views Oladipo as a key long-term piece.
Although he hasn’t developed into a star player, Oladipo’s solid offensive contributions, along with his strong defense, should ensure that he’s well compensated when he eventually lands his next contract. CAA reps Rose and Nathan will now be tasked with negotiating that deal on their new client’s behalf.