The Wisconsin Herd, G League affiliate of the Milwaukee Bucks, have acquired Victor Oladipo in a trade with the Santa Cruz Warriors, per NBA insider Jake Fischer. Oladipo is no stranger to the Bucks organization, as he had been on their radar in past seasons. Notably, back in 2020, Zach Lowe, formerly of ESPN, said he was keeping his eye on the Bucks as an Oladipo trade suitor.
Five years later, things have changed quite a bit in Oladipo's career, but the story may not be over. Now, he will forge an NBA comeback attempt in Wisconsin.
Two-time All-Star lands in Bucks organization
It's been a challenging couple of years for Oladipo. In 2018-19, the guard suffered a ruptured quadriceps tendon that sidelined him for the rest of that season. Against the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2023 playoffs, Oladipo tore his patellar tendon. He hasn't played in the league since then, spending time recovering, playing overseas, and working with ESPN as an analyst.
Now, the guard is in an organization that expressed an interest in him half a decade ago.
Prior to his injury, Oladipo was an eclectic two-way player. An All-Defensive honoree, Steals Champ, All-NBA player, and two-time All-Star, Oladipo's resume was beyond impressive. Things have since been derailed by injuries, but it is admirable that Oladipo is still looking to continue his career and prove he has something to give.
As for what he might have to offer, that much is unclear. In a recent preseason contest against the LA Clippers, Oladipo, suiting up for the Guangzhou Loong-Lions, poured in 24 points and received some justifiable attention, though. If he can provide reliable scoring while holding up defensively, teams will be far more interested in his services.
Now, it's time to address the elephant in the room. Can Victor Oladipo make it to Milwaukee to join the Bucks? If he impresses, it's certainly possible.
A couple of months older than Thanasis Antetokounmpo, he'd be the oldest player on this new-look, youth-focused Bucks roster. That could turn some off, but even if he's just a depth piece, it wouldn't hurt to have him and all of that experience in that locker room.
For now, the journey starts in the G League. The Herd's roster is largely full of young, up-and-coming names, so Oladipo will be the veteran in the room. He will have a golden opportunity to showcase why he belongs back in the NBA this season.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.