Victor Oladipo has apparently found a new home in South Beach.
Oladipo is heading to the Miami Heat in exchange for Canadian Kelly Olynyk, Avery Bradley and a draft pick swap.
By the looks of our mentions we think this is the graphic you've all been waiting for…
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) March 26, 2021
Show your love to our newest #HEATCulture member @VicOladipo! pic.twitter.com/lTDuFsFegL
The deal also opens up a roster spot for the Heat, who are reportedly frontrunners for LaMarcus Aldridge once he's bought out by the San Antonio Spurs.
Once LaMarcus Aldridge completes a buyout with the Spurs, the Miami Heat are expected to emerge as a frontrunner to sign him, sources tell ESPN. Aldridge plans to talk with several teams before finalizing a decision.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021
Miami was heavily rumoured to be in pursuit of Toronto Raptors' guard Kyle Lowry, but no deal was made. In the end, the Heat keep their core together as well as their young assets like Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro and Precious Achiuwa that reportedly were being discussed in a potential Lowry deal.
Oladipo comes to Miami on the final year of his four-year $85 million deal. He'll be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. The Heat have been able to secure impending free agents that they've acquired mid-season in the past, Goran Dragic is the most recent example of a player acquired at the deadline that re-signed in the ensuing offseason.
This season, Oladipo is averaging 20.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists while shooting just 41.1 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from 3-point range in 29 games. If Oladipo can remain healthy, he gives the Heat another capable perimeter defender and secondary scorer for another potential deep playoff run.
Olynyk heads to Houston in the final year of his four-year $50 million deal. He'll be an unrestricted free agent this offseason as well. The 29-year-old will likely be in a backup center role behind Christian Wood for the Rockets. Olynyk is averaging 10.0 points, 6.1 rebounds while shooting 43.1 percent from the field in 43 games.
Avery Bradley's $5.9 million salary for 2021-22 is a team option now held by the Rockets.
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