After an absolutely incredible run during the NBA playoffs, the Miami Heat have some work to do this summer to either keep the team relatively intact or pursue some trades and big moves in NBA free agency, which starts this weekend.
Although the Heat have been linked to superstar guard Damian Lillard, it seems as though a blockbuster trade with the Portland Trail Blazers may not be in the cards for Pat Riley and company
With the dream of Lillard coming to Miami slowly dying, the Heat must pivot and figure out other ways to improve their roster moving forward.
Fortunately for Miami, one order of business is already out of the way a few days ahead of free agency, with veteran guard Victor Oladipo exercising his player option worth $9.4 million, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Miami’s Victor Oladipo has exercised his $9.4M option for 2023-24, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 27, 2023
It’s been a rough few years for Oladipo, who has gone from a two-time NBA All-Star to a player that rarely sees the basketball floor due to persistent injury problems.
Oladipo seemed to be getting back to playing on a regular basis this past season after missing the majority of the previous two seasons, but then the injury bug struck again, as he went down with a torn patellar tendon in April, which ultimately ended his season.
Although it’s uncertain how much Oladipo might have left in the tank after another injury, he chose to opt into his deal with the team and may be able to give it another shot during the 2023-24 NBA season.
NEXT: The Heat Could Reportedly Waive 1 Notable Veteran If Unable To Find A Trade
