Former Pacers Star Victor Oladipo Lands New NBA Return Update

Throughout the course of the 2026 NBA offseason, former Indiana Pacers star guard Victor Oladipo has been very vocal about his desire to return to the league.

Not long ago, Oladipo was one of the fastest rising stars in the NBA. He had the Pacers looking like a potential contender in the Eastern Conference following the blockbuster Paul George trade. Unfortunately, things unraveled quickly.

On January 23, 2019 in a game against the Toronto Raptors, Oladipo went down with a devastating ruptured quadriceps tendon in his right leg. That injury was the beginning of the end of his tenure in Indiana.

Oladipo ended up playing in nine games during the 2020-21 season with the Pacers, averaging 20 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. He was then traded to the Houston Rockets and was traded against by the Rockets to the Miami Heat.

That isn't where the injuries stopped. Oladipo suffered a severe torn patellar tendon in his left knee during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Since that last injury while playing for the Heat, Oladipo hasn't played in an NBA game.

All of that being said, a new update has been shared about Oladipo's hopeful return to the league. It sounds like Miami might have interest in a reunion with the former star guard.

According to a report from Heat insider Ira Winderman, as shared by Legion Hoops, Miami has been monitoring Oladipo's comeback attempt and has "granted him clearance" to workout out their arena.

If back at full health, Oladipo could be a late-offseason steal for an NBA team. He may not be the same player he once was, but would likely still be more than capable of playing a role off of the bench.

During his NBA career, Oladipo has played in 504 games and made 397 starts. He holds career averages of 16.9 points per game to go along with 4.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.6 steals. Oladipo has shot 43.6 percent from the floor and knocked down 34.7 percent of his three-point attempts.

Only time will tell whether or not an NBA team takes a flier on Oladipo this season. For now, it sounds like his best opportunity could end up coming with the Heat.

While things between the Pacers and Oladipo did not end on the best of terms, seeing him make a successful return to the NBA would be a great story. He may not be "loved" in Indiana anymore, but the memories are still there and fans should root him on as long as he isn't playing against the Pacers.