By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Commenting on recently-surfaced reports regarding his future and wanting to be traded away by the Indiana Pacers, Victor Oladipo declared himself fully committed to the franchise. He talked to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
“I know there have been people saying that I have asked players to trade for me. That’s just not true, period,” he stressed addressing the rumors, “I love my teammates, I cherish the state of Indiana and I’m focused on leading this franchise to a title.”
Oladipo, 28, remains eligible for a contract extension this offseason but seems keen to let his current deal run out and become a free agent following the 2020-21 season. A trade is still possible as many NBA teams are monitoring his situation in Indiana.
An unlikely early extension can send him up to a $112.9 million four-year contract, while next offseason he can sign a $195.6 million five-year contract from the Pacers or a $145 million four-year contract with any other NBA team.
Recovering from his right knee injury limited him to 23 appearances during his third season with the Pacers, including four playoffs tilts. He averaged 14.5 points per regular-season match and added 17.8 points in the four-game sweep by the Miami Heat.