In a bit of a shocker, All-Star guard Damian Lillard signed a three-year, $42 million deal to return to the Portland Trail Blazers roughly two years after they traded him to the Milwaukee Bucks (h/t Shams Charania of ESPN). Following this move, it now looks even more likely that another player-team reunion could be in line with Victor Oladipo potentially returning to the Indiana Pacers.
Recently, reports surfaced that the former Pacers All-Star was attempting an NBA comeback after two years away. Furthermore, Oladipo reportedly impressed numerous teams during a recent workout (h/t Jeremy Woo of ESPN). It is still unknown who those teams are, but it seems possible that the Pacers were one of them as they are the betting favorites to sign the Maryland native.
Whether re-signing Oladipo would be a good idea or not for Indiana is fair. He looked solid the last time he was in the league, and his best years were with the Pacers. On the other hand, he is 33 years old and left the team on a sour note.
Regardless, this will be something to keep an eye on. It may have seemed laughable even just a few days ago, but the idea of Oladipo returning to the Pacers just became a lot more realistic.
The Pacers might be better off looking in the other direction
For Oladipo to impress teams during a recent workout is certainly not nothing. This is especially true considering that he has not played an NBA game since the 2023 Playoffs. However, at this stage in his career, it is unknown exactly how much value he can bring on the court.
From Indiana's perspective, not only are they in a gap year (making a reunion with Oladipo a bit questionable), but they don't necessarily have a need for him. He can provide scoring and did briefly play under Rick Carlisle, but signing him still wouldn't make much sense for the Pacers. Instead, they should focus more on their younger players like Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin, who could both be in for a breakout season next year.
On the flip side, depending on the contract, it could be a low-risk, high-reward move for the Pacers. Oladipo was an All-Star for them and looked like a franchise guy at one point. Additionally, considering that the team is still looking to remain in title contention, he might fit their timeline.
Ultimately, there are pros and cons to the Pacers potentially bringing their former star back. However, this is one of those instances where the negatives outweigh the positives. Oladipo might still have a lot left in the tank, but he doesn't make sense for the Pacers right now.
Either way, if the latest Lillard development proves anything, it is that a lot of crazy things can happen in the NBA. Whether it is the right call or not, this might include Oladipo returning to Indiana, even if this didn't seem like even a slight possibility just a couple of days ago.