5 wild card targets for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2022 NBA free agency
By Dalton Sell
Victor Oladipo could be a wild card free agent target for the Milwaukee Bucks
After playing rather well in limited action with the Miami Heat this season, Victor Oladipo will be a fascinating free agent to monitor this offseason. The Milwaukee Bucks are on the record showing interest in the former All-Star guard previously, with Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer reporting that the Bucks held trade discussions with the Indiana Pacers for his services. Perhaps the Bucks will look to bring him aboard via free agency rather than a trade this time around.
Despite missing significant time over the past few seasons due to injuries, Oladipo showed during his limited run with the Heat this year that he could still play at a high level. Though his splits were far from efficient, Oladipo averaged 10.1 points per game off Miami’s bench in the playoffs, having provided a spark as they made their way to the Eastern Conference Finals. However, Oladipo’s big contribution came on the defensive end, where the former All-Defensive honoree showcased his ability by pestering top scorers night in and night out. While he may not be the All-Star player that he once was, adding a household veteran like Oladipo would be a solid addition for the Bucks as they look to tune up their supporting cast in free agency.
Given how well Oladipo played with Miami this past season, one would think that he would return to the Heat in free agency this offseason. However, according to an anonymous general manager, Oladipo is not likely to return to Miami in NBA free agency, but he is still “looking at a minimum, make-good contract next year,” as noted in this report by Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney. If Oladipo is looking to leave Miami and is willing to take a team-friendly deal, then bringing him aboard would be a no-brainer for Milwaukee. The guard would give the Bucks another capable scoring threat in the second unit while also shoring up their defense. Thinking about a defensive backcourt with an electric tandem of Jrue Holiday and Victor Oladipo is intriguing. Also, Oladipo has an established relationship with Giannis Antetokounmpo, so bringing him in could resonate well with the FMVP.