After First Round of Roster Cuts, Oklahoma City Has Options With Victor Oladipo

In early July, Oklahoma City reacquired Victor Oladipo from the Miami Heat, bringing in two future second-round draft picks in the process. The move created a $9.45 million trade exception for the Heat, and the Thunder committed to taking on Oladipo’s contract in return.

Since then, a lot has happened. Oklahoma City is continuing to trim down the roster, and up to this point in time, Oladipo has survived the cuts.

The Thunder opted to waive Rudy Gay, who was due $6.48 million next season, making the trade with Utah solely based around draft capital. Most recently, Oklahoma City opted to waive two young prospects in TyTy Washington Jr. and Usman Garuba, who some expected to stick around and participate in training camp. All-in-all, the Thunder added a handful of second-round picks through both trades, which will prove to be valuable down the road.

With Gay, Washington and Garuba all off the roster, Oklahoma City has three spots left to clear. Oladipo, who suffered a patellar tendon tear in April, remains on the roster.

It’s important to remember that Oklahoma City’s front office has a great relationship with Oladipo. The former No. 2 overall pick spent a season with the Thunder and quickly became a fan favorite. Sam Presti has always spoken highly of Oladipo and appreciates what he brings to the team on and off the court. While it would be a bit surprising, the Thunder could opt to keep a guy like Oladipo to help the locker room vibes, bring leadership and allow him to rehab in a place of familiarity.

More likely, though, Oladipo has value on the trade market and his contract allows the Thunder to make a splash. Outside of Lu Dort, and now Davis Bertans, OKC doesn’t have many contracts that can be thrown into a trade to match salaries. Oladipo’s contract could help the Thunder target a certain player or be used to make a trade work as the third team.

At this point, it seems like Oklahoma City won’t just waive Oladipo outright. The team is electing to keep his contract around to explore options and find value in whatever ends up opening. It’s possible they could flip him to a contender in exchange for second-round draft picks or use his salary in a future trade.

It feels like Presti and company are being patient and intentional with Oladipo and his contract, though — for now.

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