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Why Milwaukee Bucks Should be On the Market for Victor Oldiapo in NBA Free Agency

Published 10/20/2020, 1:58 PM EDT

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The Victor Oladipo trade rumor mill keeps churning new chapters. The Indiana Pacers star has been primed to leave, with Miami Heat supposedly interested. But the latest team to enter the fray is the Milwaukee Bucks.

During his recent podcast, ESPN’s Zack Lowe said, “I’ll give you a team I’m keeping an eye on with Victor Oladipo…Milwaukee. Just keeping my eye on them…that’s all I’m saying, that’s all I’m going to say.”

After initial reports linking them to Chris Paul, the focus is now on another All-Star guard in Oladipo. His $21m contract will be much easier to trade for instead of Paul’s $41m contract. Although Oladipo isn’t as good as Paul, it is a more viable option for the Bucks.

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NBA Trade Rumors: A New Twist in Victor Oladipo & Miami Heat’s Potential Link

Why do the Bucks need Oladipo?

While nothing is official yet, the Bucks trying to get Oladipo makes sense. They have been unable to fit Eric Bledsoe in a system with their stars, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.

So trying to get a wantaway star, like Oladipo, could be the move to ensure an improved playoff run in the upcoming season.

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Oladipo may just have 1 year left on his contract, but the Pacers won’t let him go easily. Along with Bledsoe, the Bucks will have to throw in Donte DiVincenzo and the Pacers 2020 1st round pick that the Bucks own.

But this will definitely be a gamble for the Bucks. With just 1 year left on his contract, the Bucks could be giving up all of that for a player who won’t stay for more than a year.

And after his injury, Oladipo hasn’t looked like the same player he was earlier. He is averaging 14.5 points while shooting 31% from 3 since his return.

USA Today via Reuters

Trading away Bledsoe would mean the Bucks start George Hill. At 34, he isn’t a point guard that should line up right at the start, especially for a championship-contending team. But with Oladipo’s shooting waning, Hill could make up for that.

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So why take this gamble?

Their superstar Giannis has just 2 more years left on his contract. And despite him denying the rumors, a departure in the 2021 Free Agency could be on the cards for him. So going all in for the upcoming season is the only way the Bucks to make Giannis stay.

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With Miami waiting to swoop on him, the Bucks having a strong playoff performance in the upcoming season could be one reason for him to stay. The Bucks are desperate to keep their two-time MVP, and they will look to such trades to do all they can to make sure he remains with the Milwaukee-based franchise.

NBA Trade Rumors: Milwaukee Bucks Have Their Plan Ready if Giannis Antetokounmpo Refuses to Sign Max Deal

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Written by:

Aaron Mathew

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Aaron Mathew is a sports analyst at EssentiallySports. A graduate in Mass Media from Xavier’s College, Aaron has been a part of EssentiallySports since May 2020 where he covers both NBA and NCAA basketball news, and has also covered NBA 2K. In the past, Aaron has worked at the Sports Desk of Mumbai Mirror.
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