Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Rockets blasted by NBA world for Victor Oladipo trade return

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Vincent Frank | Last updated 3/25/21

It’s not a surprise that the Houston Rockets pulled off a Victor Oladipo trade ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. It’s also not a surprise that he headed to the Miami Heat.

Acquired in the James Harden four-team blockbuster back in January, Oladipo just recently turned down an extension offer from Houston. He was more than likely going to leave in free agency.

In no way does that mean the Rockets actually knew what they were doing in pulling off the above-mentioned Victor Oladipo trade. They actually acquired two cap fillers in Avery Bradley and Kelly Olynyk as well as a pick swap in the 2022 NBA Draft that’s unlikely to convey.

Seriously, that’s what the Rockets netted for a two-guard who is averaging 20.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists on the season. Just a brutal move from new Houston general manager Rafael Stone.

This also pretty much puts an end to the James Harden trade from back in January. To say that the Rockets got fleeced would be an understatement.

Rockets trade: James Harden
Rockets acquire: Rodions Kurucs, Avery Bradley, Kelly Olynyk, four first-round picks and five pick swaps

This might go down as one of the worst moves in modern NBA history. How in the world can the Rockets end up with that for one of the greatest players in Association history? In fact, they could have had Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen and multiple first-round picks in the original Harden trade.

Fresh off a 20-game losing streak, Houston is going nowhere fast. It’s not even in the initial stages of a rebuild. The team is simply a bottom feeder with no way out under embattled owner Tilman Fertitta. It’s just gross at this point.

NBA world blasts Houston Rockets for Victor Oladipo trade

"The Rockets traded me for WHO?" pic.twitter.com/iSWlf3kIZf
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 25, 2021

Avery Bradley and Kelly Olynyk instead of Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen. My god.
— Zach Harper (@talkhoops) March 25, 2021

In summary…

Rockets trade:
– James Harden

Rockets get:
– Avery Bradley
– Kelly Olynk
– Dante Exum
– Rodions Kurucs
– Late 1st round picks + swaps

pic.twitter.com/LM24f3WgKm
— The Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) March 25, 2021

Jarrett Allen, Victor Oladipo and Caris Levert were all in the James Harden trade and somehow the Rockets ended up with Kelly Olynyk and Avery Bradley
— Fastbreak Breakfast (@fastbreakbreak) March 25, 2021

The Rockets traded James Harden and essentially got no players in return.
— Robin Lundberg (@robinlundberg) March 25, 2021

Houston Rockets: pic.twitter.com/BKL1W7mlH2
— Jake Brown (@JakeBrownRadio) March 25, 2021

The #Rockets traded James Harden & Russell Westbrook for:

-John Wall
-Kelly Olynyk
-Avery Bradley

-Five (likely non-lottery) first-rounders

-Five pick swaps, the majority of which are unlikely to convey

Yikes
— Chris W. Crouse (@NBACrouse) March 25, 2021