Houston Rockets

Report: Both Victor Oladipo and Houston Rockets remain noncommittal to long-term future

Published by
Zach Stevens

Weeks after finally trading superstar guard James Harden, the long-term future of the Houston Rockets remain murky.

One reason why is that guard Victor Oladipo and the team haven’t made a commitment to each other yet.

“The Houston Rockets are not actively shopping guard Victor Oladipo, but neither party has committed to a long-term marriage, a source close to the situation tells Bleacher Report,” wrote Jason Dumas.

Oladipo was acquired in the four-team trade that sent Harden to the Brooklyn Nets. At age 28, he’s still struggling to regain his old form after rupturing a quad tendon two seasons ago.

“Everyone is open-minded that it could be a good fit long-term, but it’s still too early of a commitment long-term for both sides,” said the source.

If Oladipo doesn’t fully regain his old form, or if the Rockets simply can’t come to terms with him on a new contract, he could become intriguing trade bait, and there seems to be interest in him around the NBA.

“As that deadline approaches and belief grows that a long commitment with the Rockets is unlikely, even more teams will believe they can acquire Oladipo, and not as a rental,” wrote Dumas. “The New York Knicks have already started mulling that idea. Given that New York struck out on the top-tier names in free agency over the last decade, Oladipo would be a great veteran to add to an impressionable locker room. He is known as one of the hardest workers in the league.”

At 11-10, the Rockets have somehow been able to play decent basketball following the Harden trade. With a resurgent John Wall and an upstart Christian Wood, they finally have some real hope for the future after the protracted Harden trade saga.

Zach Stevens

Robert is a native of Santa Monica, Calif. and a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has been an avid NBA and NFL fan since he was a little kid in the mid-'90s, and he has always loved soaking up knowledge about both leagues and their respective histories. He feels strongly that sports aren't just entertainment, but also a means for learning life lessons.

Published by
Zach Stevens

Recent Posts

Report: NBA GM believed Grizzlies would have had to shop Ja Morant this summer before they fired Taylor Jenkins

Earlier on in the year, long before the Memphis Grizzlies dismissed Taylor Jenkins after he…

11 hours ago

Ja Morant opens up about Grizzlies firing Taylor Jenkins: ‘It’s tough for me’

Guard Ja Morant suited up for the first time since the Memphis Grizzlies fired Taylor…

1 day ago

Tyrese Haliburton on ‘easy decision’ to name SGA MVP: ‘If you took a player poll, I’m sure he would win’

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a compelling case to win this season's MVP…

3 days ago

Report: ‘Early expectation’ is that Clint Capela will sign elsewhere this summer

Big man Clint Capela is in his fifth season playing for the Atlanta Hawks, and…

5 days ago

Stephen A. says LeBron is in his feelings: ‘Could it be because I don’t believe you’re the G.O.A.T.?’

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith claimed on Wednesday that if his confrontation with Los Angeles Lakers…

5 days ago

LeBron James reflects on 2007 Cavs roster that he took to NBA Finals: ‘How is that possible?’

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James recently reflected on the 2006-07 Cleveland Cavaliers and their…

6 days ago