Victor Oladipo turns down extension offer with Rockets

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Sunday that Victor Oladipo has turned down a two-year, $45.2 million contract extension offer with the Houston Rockets — the most they are able to offer him. Wojnarowski also said that the Miami Heat and New York Knicks have expressed interest in Oladipo.

Oladipo has long been rumored to want to join Miami — even after the Indiana Pacers traded him to Houston in the James Harden trade earlier this season. Now the question becomes whether the Heat would be willing to part with an asset before the March 25 trade deadline — Houston may want Tyler Herro — or try to sign Oladipo in the off-season to a contract slightly below the max.

The Heat have also been linked to power forward P.J. Tucker. At their best, Oladipo and Tucker could move the needle for Miami as a contender. They’re both two-way players — something Miami doesn’t have beyond Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Tucker could replicate Jae Crowder’s role as a guy who can guard up and knock down 3-point shots, while Oladipo could help the Heat’s scoring punch.

Will the Heat make the trade now, hoping to make the most of every year on Butler’s timeline? Or does Pat Riley only plan to sign someone from the buyout market?