Heat guard Victor Oladipo has exercised his $9.45MM option, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski tweets.
The move was expected and makes complete financial sense for Oladipo, who tore the patellar tendon in his left knee early in the postseason.
Oladipo inked a two-year, $18.2MM deal with Miami last summer, which included the player option. Oladipo’s contract decision adds another burden to the Heat’s bloated salary cap.
If all goes well in his rehab, he could be back in action early next season.
Oladipo has been snake-bit by major injuries during his career. He ruptured the quadriceps tendon in his right knee during the 2018/19 season while still with the Pacers, then underwent a second operation on the quad late in the 2020/21 season while with the Heat.
Across his 42 healthy games during the 2022/23 regular season, the former two-time All-Star averaged 10.7 PPG on .397/.330/.747 shooting, along with 3.5 APG and 3.0 RPG.
Oladipo is now on track for unrestricted free agency in 2024.
The same people who will crucify Dame for wanting out of Portland after signing his contract, will read this story and go “Wow! 9 mil for Vic?!? Lucky for him he signed when he did or he’d be half way to Shanghai”.
Stop vilifying players for getting their insurance
Facts. VO has been unlucky, probably should have signed that 2 year 45m from the Rockets.
People call him and even Schroder dumb for rejecting that 80m 4 year deal from Lakers but say others only care about the money for taking their deals.
Agreed. I think these same people need to look at the situation in Boston rn as well. Malcolm Brogdon was essentially announced as traded before the Clippers backed out. But if he came out and said he wanted out of Boston there would be a long line of people telling him he should be “honoring” the contract he signed.
If the team you signed a contract with does not need to remain loyal to you (and your contract) why on earth are players just expected to be undyingly loyal to their teams regardless of their situations?
The NBA fanbase is extremely frustrating at times.
The perceived on-court value of a player seems inversely proportional to the amount of slack they’re cut for making their own decisions as well. Lillard gets nothing but flak, but roleplayers get trolled for betting on themselves.
yeah, probably should of signed that rockets contract. after picking up his option this year, he’ll only have made a 125m.
Oladipo was playing well before he got hurt. He needs to just heal. Take his time and get strong. He can still make an impact before his career is over.
Victor Oladipo has turned into an injury prone and I hate to see it. He was on his way to be a perennial all star. I still think he can be good off the bench. Erik Spoelstra just have to limit him to 20 minutes a game. He’s still a very good defensive player and can handle the ball and make plays on offense.
Not sure why Heat paid him so much to begin with…well they made their bed. Now they’ll have to sleep in it…
If Miami wants to get rid of expiring contracts Oladipo and Lowry in a trade, they will have to attach a lot of assets. Same goes for Robinson.
Lillard would be a great return, but do they have enough picks?