Should the Orlando Magic Take a Chance on Another Reunion?

As the calendar turned to July on Wednesday, the Orlando Magic got to work with what little room they had.

The Magic’s front office brought back Jevon Carter and Jonathan Isaac on one-year deals, and the highlight move of the day came in the form of a reunion with big man Nikola Vucevic on a one-year, $3.9 million deal. Because the Magic are working through the financial constraints of being a team with a large payroll in place, smaller transactions had to become a priority this summer. 

Because of that, it calls into question if Orlando is willing to reunite with another former player and teammate of Vucevic in Victor Oladipo. Recently, Oladipo posted on the social media platform X about his aspirations to return to the NBA.

"I’m a free agent," Oladipo wrote. "I don’t have an agent right now, just me and my family.

I know I have a lot left, and I genuinely love this game. I’d rather show you I’m ready than spend my time trying to explain why or flood you with analytics to prove it.

"If you’re about winning, value mentorship, and think there could be a fit, you can reach me directly," he continued. "I’m open to every opportunity right now—I just want to make sure I weigh each one carefully. I can’t wait to share my story."

Oladipo, who has not been on an NBA roster since 2022-23, shared the post on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he followed it up with a heartfelt message.

"To all the people/fans, thank you for your love and support," Oladipo wrote. "Without you, there are no sports. Your belief, your energy, and your loyalty have meant more than words can express. This journey is just as much yours as it is mine and my family’s. We appreciate you every step of the way. Keep shining."

Oladipo was drafted by the Magic with the second pick in the 2013 NBA Draft out of Indiana. From 2013-2016, Oladipo appeared in 224 games for Orlando and averaged 15.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and four assists. 

Following the 2015-16 season, Oladipo was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Serge Ibaka. The 2016-17 campaign was Oladipo’s lone season with the Thunder before he was traded again, this time to the Indiana Pacers. In the state where played collegiately, Oladipo found his moment of NBA stardom.

During the 2017-18 season, Oladipo appeared in 75 games and averaged a career-high 23.1 points. The Pacers ended up meeting the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs, and Oladipo and his teammates pushed James and the Cavs to Game 7, but ultimately fell short in the win-or-go-home contest.

Oladipo remained with the Pacers until 2021, but injuries began to take a toll, and he was traded to the Houston Rockets on Jan. 16, 2021, as part of the deal that saw James Harden go to the Brooklyn Nets. After finishing the season with the Rockets, Oladipo signed with the Miami Heat, and he remained with them until July 2023, when he was traded back to Oklahoma City before being moved back to Houston again and then to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he was subsequently waived.

Oladipo’s basketball journey since his breakout season in 2017-18 has not been easy, and at 34 years old with miles on his body and a significant injury history, it is fair to wonder if he can make an impact on a roster. However, for a young team like the Magic, another veteran in the locker room like Oladipo might be worth the chance.

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