Indiana Paces of America youngster, Victor Oladipo appears set for a summer exit from the club that gave him a breakthrough in USA’s National Basketball Association (NBA), as several issues that trailed his year-long absence due to injury have reportedly left him leaning toward the exit, megasportsarena.com reports.
Information on offer from God’s Own Country indicates that Oladipo, who almost did not play for The Pacers in the NBA’s season-ending contest at The Bubble in Orlando, Florida, as he feared a relapse of the injury that kept him out for the whole of 2019, but eventually copped another complaint in only his third match at Disney World, is set to leave in 2021 free agency.
Astonishingly, though, a detailed report by Jared Weiss of The Athletic indicates that Oladipo might prefer to exit sooner, as he is looking at his prospects in this offseason, as recent matters have left an after taste on what actually began as a very enjoyable and fruitful time for him in Indiana, while he also appears to hold bigger ambitions on and off the court.
The report adds; “The Pacers control the situation for now. Oladipo is under contract next season at $21 million. But the specter of him leaving in 2021 unrestricted free agency applies implicit pressure. Indiana could trade him rather than risk him walking for nothing.
“Of course it’s not fait accompli Oladipo would leave the Pacers in 2021 free agency. They’re looking for a new coach, and maybe that hire would help motivate Oladipo to stay. Indiana could take the upcoming season to sell him on a new direction.
“If going that route, the Pacers could still pivot before the trade deadline. That plan would allow Oladipo time to get healthy and boost his trade value (or suffer a setback and tank his stock). But, at this stage, even if Oladipo is ready to leave, Indiana still holds most of the cards.
“Oladipo’s impending free agency also gives him some leverage in trade talks. He can signal an intent to re-sign with only certain teams, motivating those teams to trade for him (and dissuading other teams).”
