Victor Oladipo Joins Wisconsin Herd in Comeback Bid

MILWAUKEE — Victor Oladipo is taking the next step in his long road back to the NBA. The two-time All-Star guard has joined the Wisconsin Herd, the G League affiliate of the Milwaukee Bucks, in what could be a pivotal move toward reigniting his professional career.

The Herd officially announced the acquisition on Sunday, confirming that Oladipo’s G League rights were obtained from the Santa Cruz Warriors in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick in the G League draft. The transaction comes after Oladipo recently entered the G League player pool, signaling his intent to return to competitive basketball in the United States.

Oladipo, 33, last appeared in an NBA game during the 2023 playoffs with the Miami Heat, where he suffered a torn left patellar tendon in the first-round series against the Bucks. The injury marked another setback in a career repeatedly disrupted by physical challenges since his breakout years with the Indiana Pacers.

Despite the obstacles, Oladipo’s signing with Wisconsin represents an opportunity to rebuild his conditioning and re-establish his rhythm in a structured environment tied to an NBA organization. For the Bucks, it’s a low-risk, potentially high-reward addition to their developmental system.

1. Trade Details and League Maneuvering

The transaction that brought Oladipo to Wisconsin involved some notable G League logistics. The Santa Cruz Warriors, Golden State’s affiliate, initially claimed Oladipo from the player pool thanks to their waiver priority. They then negotiated a deal to send his rights to the Herd in exchange for a future first-round draft pick within the G League framework. Such deals are common among NBA developmental affiliates, where player rights can shift between organizations independent of NBA contracts. Oladipo is not currently under an NBA deal but remains eligible to be signed by any franchise should he demonstrate readiness at the G League level. The move underscores the Bucks organization’s interest in exploring veteran talent with proven NBA experience. While the Herd’s primary mission is player development, the addition of a former All-Star brings an element of leadership and professionalism that could benefit the team’s young roster. For Oladipo, the G League setting offers both competitive minutes and proximity to NBA scouts — crucial factors for a player looking to prove his recovery and regain a foothold in the league.

2. Rebuilding from Injury and Overseas Play

Oladipo’s latest comeback attempt follows years of rehabilitation and brief playing stints around the world. After tearing his left patellar tendon last April, he missed the entire 2023–24 NBA season while focusing on recovery. Earlier this fall, he appeared in a handful of preseason games for the Guangzhou Loong-Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association, testing his mobility and conditioning against professional competition. His decision to return stateside and join the G League marks a more serious push toward an NBA comeback. It mirrors a growing trend among former All-Stars who leverage the G League as a platform to prove their fitness and attract interest from teams in need of veteran depth. Oladipo’s career trajectory has been marked by both brilliance and resilience. A former No. 2 overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft, he became a two-time All-Star with Indiana in 2018 and 2019, earning All-Defensive honors and a Most Improved Player award during his peak. At his best, Oladipo was a dynamic two-way guard capable of carrying an offense and locking down elite scorers. Now, the challenge lies in rediscovering that explosiveness while adapting to the demands of a post-injury career.

3. Veteran Presence Meets Developmental Opportunity

Beyond his own goals, Oladipo’s arrival could benefit the Wisconsin Herd’s young roster, providing leadership and professionalism to a developing group of players vying for NBA attention. His experience — spanning a decade, multiple franchises, and deep playoff runs — brings a valuable perspective to a team built around emerging talent. The Bucks, meanwhile, continue to use their G League affiliate strategically, blending prospects with experienced veterans to foster competitiveness and stability. Even if Oladipo’s stint with the Herd proves short-term, his presence could help set a higher standard for preparation and intensity. For the veteran guard, the G League is both a proving ground and a fresh start — a place to demonstrate that his drive and skill remain intact. If his health holds up, a midseason NBA opportunity could follow, whether with Milwaukee or another team seeking backcourt depth. After years of setbacks, Oladipo’s signing represents not just a roster move but a personal milestone — one more chance to show that his story in professional basketball is still being written.