Announced! The deal is done! Hello, NBA’s second overall pick!

The Cleveland Charge, the Cavaliers’ G League affiliate, obtained Oladipo via trade.

This player has spent the current season in the development league, formerly playing for the Wisconsin Herd, Milwaukee Bucks’ G League team. Across 26 games, he averaged 14 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.8 steals, with shooting percentages of 39.6% and 32.1%. He also competed against the South Bay Lakers and LeBron James’ son, Bronny.

Oladipo was born on May 4, 1992. Standing 1.91 meters tall, he is a versatile guard who was the second overall pick in the 2013 draft. He has been selected twice as an All-Star. At his peak (the 2017-18 season with the Pacers), he averaged a well-rounded 23.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.4 steals per game. That season, he was named Most Improved Player and steals leader, while earning spots on the All-NBA Third Team and the NBA All-Defensive First Team.

In short, Oladipo was once a sharp two-way weapon, but starting in 2019, he suffered a series of serious injuries: a torn right patellar tendon, right quadriceps surgery, and left knee injury, which caused his early decline from stardom. Although he has repeatedly tried to return to the NBA in recent years, effort alone hasn’t guaranteed success. His last appearance in an official NBA game dates back to April 2023.

Notably, in his attempt to make an NBA comeback, Oladipo even played for the Guangzhou team in the NBA preseason last summer. He appeared in three games, averaging 19.3 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2.3 steals, with shooting splits of 46.6%, 25%, and 92.3% from the field, three, and free throws respectively.

Realistically speaking, focusing purely on financial gain, Oladipo doesn’t have to insist on returning to the NBA; instead, he could take advantage of his ability to play overseas and earn money, potentially revitalizing his career.

However, everyone has their own convictions and dreams, and even if they are hard to understand, respect must be maintained.

Besides, Oladipo probably doesn’t need to chase money anymore. By rough estimates, his total earnings exceed $100 million. Without reckless investments and simply enjoying life, he has more than enough to live comfortably and indulge for the rest of his days.

“There is only one kind of heroism in this world: to recognize the truth and still love life.”

Wishing all dream chasers the best, and blessings to all the veterans.