Victor Oladipo’s Rejected Rockets Deal Marks a Costly Gamble in His NBA Journey
Victor Oladipo’s career has been a thrilling ride, marked by both remarkable highs and devastating lows. The former All-Star’s path has been anything but straightforward, particularly as he navigates the injury-ridden landscape of professional basketball.
Injuries and Setbacks
Oladipo’s struggles with injuries have significantly impacted his career trajectory. During the 2019-20 season, he faced a lengthy absence, and his appearances dwindled to just eight games in the 2021-22 regular season, though he did make a brief return for the playoffs. Since then, he has not played a game through 2023 and is left hoping for another chance at an NBA comeback, yet remains unsigned.
The Rockets’ Gamble
In a pivotal move, the Houston Rockets acquired Oladipo during the 2020-21 season as part of the blockbuster deal that sent James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets. This acquisition was met with skepticism, as critics noted the Rockets opted for the injury-prone Oladipo over promising talent Caris LeVert. The Rockets’ management, led by owner Tilman Fertitta, was desperate to maintain competitiveness after the Harden trade. They envisioned a new Big Three, hoping Oladipo would return to his All-Star form alongside Christian Wood and John Wall.
In a bold move, Rockets General Manager Rafael Stone extended a two-year contract offer worth $45 million to Oladipo, a proposition that surprised many within the league. However, in a twist of fate, Oladipo rejected the extension, confident that he could prove his worth and command an even more lucrative contract during free agency.
A Risk That Backfired
Just 20 games into his tenure with the Rockets, Oladipo was traded to the Miami Heat. Unfortunately, his misfortunes continued as he suffered a torn right quadriceps just four games after the trade, effectively derailing his season. This decision to turn down the Rockets’ offer has since been labeled as one of the most significant gambles in recent memory. Analysts have pointed out that Oladipo’s ambition to secure a long-term, max deal backfired spectacularly.
“After his All-Star peak in Indiana, Victor Oladipo bet on himself by rejecting a two-year, $45 million offer from the Houston Rockets in 2021, convinced he could prove healthy and earn a long-term max deal. Instead, his injuries worsened, and his value dipped to the point where he was forced to sign short-term contracts, including a veteran minimum deal with the Miami Heat. What once looked like an obvious gamble turned into a devastating financial and career setback,” noted one sports analyst.
Current Status and Future Prospects
In the ensuing years, Oladipo has earned a total of $20.6 million, a stark contrast to the $45 million he turned down. Interestingly, he found himself back in Houston as part of a trade that saw the Rockets move on from Kevin Porter Jr. He was then involved in a deal that landed Steven Adams from the Memphis Grizzlies, who has since received a $39 million extension after establishing himself in Ime Udoka’s double-big lineup.
As Oladipo awaits his next opportunity, the shadow of that rejected deal looms large over his career. What once seemed a calculated risk now stands as a poignant reminder of the volatility inherent in the world of professional sports.
