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Indiana Pacers: 3 Victor Oladipo Trades Too Good to be True

By Brendan Purdue

Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 10: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball against Gary Harris #14 of the Denver Nuggets at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 10, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 10: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball against Gary Harris #14 of the Denver Nuggets at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 10, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Trading for Denver’s young talent

Pacers receive: Gary Harris, Michael Porter Jr.

Nuggets receive: Victor Oladipo

I’m a huge MPJ fan so I may be a tad biased here, but if somehow Kevin Pritchard could finesse this trade it would cement him as one of the best executives – if not the best – in franchise history.

Gary Harris could come in and be the starting two-guard helping salvage what Oladipo does at that position. Harris is a very solid defender and still decently young so his offensive game could develop. Harris has also signed an extension so he would be under contract for a couple of years for the Pacers.

The main piece of this trade would be Michael Porter Jr. MPJ has sky-high potential as a scorer and rebounder. We all saw him have a couple of great seed-in games a couple of weeks ago that showcased his potential. Two things are concerning with MPJ which is his defense and back health. The back looked solid this season as he didn’t miss anytime from it this year compared to last season where he missed the entire year. The defense has to improve if he wants to take that next step. Dan Burke could fix that.

The Nuggets could have a few reasons to make this trade happen. If Denver ends up losing in the second round to the Clippers they could be looking to make an upgrade to their starting lineup and Oladipo would be the perfect pairing for Jamal Murray. Denver is also a little hard-pressed for cap space heading into summer 2021, especially depending on what they decide to do with Paul Millsap. Trading Gary Harris and MPJ would open up cap space for that summer since Victor would be a free agent and Denver could make a run at a big-time free agent.

This trade reminds me of a little bit of the trade that brought Oladipo to Indiana but the chances of this happening I think are very slim.

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