August 6, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers warms up prior to the start of the game against Phoenix Suns at Visa Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
Pacers news: Indiana Pacers star Victor Oladipo has been at the center of trade rumors this NBA offseason. Now, the two-time All-Star is making it clear just where he stands on his future with the Pacers.
Oladipo is entering the final year of his four-year, $85 million contract and is set to make $21 million. With just over a month remaining until the 2020-’21 NBA season starts and the 2020 NBA Draft less than a week away, rumors have been flying about his future in Indiana.
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A day after the IndyStar‘s J. Michael reported Oladipo made please during this past to other teams to trade for him, Indiana’s top player responded to the rumors.
Not only did Oladipo demand ever asking other players to trade for him, he also expressed his desire to remain with the Pacers.
“I know there have been people saying that I have asked players to trade for me. That’s just not true, period,” Victor Oladipo said, via The Athletic. “I love my teammates, I cherish the state of Indiana and I’m focused on leading this franchise to a title.”
The Pacers have already made changes following a 45-win season, hiring Nate Bjorkgren as head coach. It’s a move Oladipo is excited about, the chance to be in a new system that could unlock more of his potential.
While he might want to stay in Indiana, many expect him to be traded. Teams like the Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets would all benefit from adding Oladipo’s skills to their lineups.
Indiana certainly seems open to trading its All-Star guard and he might not be the only one headed out the door. With the NBA’s moratorium set to be lifted in the next few days, another marquee player could be moved.
According to J. Michael, the Charlotte Bobcats and Boston Celtics have reached out to the Pacers about acquiring Turner. Furthermore, the 24-year-old is very receptive to being dealt to a new team.
Turner’s interest in playing for a new team is understandable. The 6-foot-11 center has played for the Pacers since they selected him with the No. 11 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. While he is still under contract for the next three seasons, owed $18 million annually, a change of scenery could be right for him.
While he isn’t a reliable scorer or rebounder, Turner is a very productive player with a repertoire that teams want. He can defend the paint, demonstrated by the fact he is averaging 2.1 blocks in his career. Furthermore, in the evolving NBA, his ability to hit the three-point shot is very appealing.
The Hornets badly want to add a big man this offseason and Michael Jordan seems very active on the trade front. Charlotte is also interested in Russell Westbrook, who reportedly wants out of Houston.
With both Turner and Oladipo seemingly on the trade block, the Pacers seem poised to make even bigger changes than anticipated this offseason. Both are playing under reasonable contracts, so any blockbuster deal should bring back a quality return.
With the 2020 NBA Draft set for Wednesday, Nov. 18, the Pacers are currently set to have a quiet night. Indiana traded its first-round pick to the Milwaukee Bucks in the sign-and-trade for Malcolm Brogdon.
Because the Pacers only have a late second-round pick this year, they are unlikely to find a rookie who can make any impact immediately. It further explains why Indiana’s front office is so open to dealing two of its biggest stars.