Victor Oladipo, a two-time NBA All-Star, has been traded to the Cleveland Charge from the Wisconsin Herd, giving the Charge a significant boost in their backcourt. This move unfolded after the NBA trade deadline, highlighting ongoing roster changes within the NBA G League.
Cleveland Charge Strengthens Backcourt With Veteran Guard
The Cleveland Charge, the G League affiliate of the Cleveland Cavaliers, announced a trade involving veteran guard Victor Oladipo. Oladipo, who was the second overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, is now part of the Charge’s roster following an agreement with the Wisconsin Herd. In exchange, the Charge sent guards Jacob Gilyard and Drake Jeffries, along with a second-round pick in the 2026 NBA G League Draft, to the Herd.
Since joining the Wisconsin Herd in November 2025, Oladipo appeared in 15 games, averaging 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.1 steals per contest. Despite his extensive NBA experience, Oladipo is ineligible for a two-way contract due to his years in the league but remains open to signing a standard NBA contract as a free agent under G League regulations.
“Thank you, Victor 💚 The Herd has acquired the returning player rights to Jacob Gilyard and Drake Jeffries, a second-round pick in the 2026 NBA G League Draft and a pick in the 2026 NBA G League International Draft from the Cleveland Charge in exchange for Victor Oladipo.” — Wisconsin Herd
Oladipo’s status as neither a two-way player nor assigned to the G League by an NBA franchise means he qualifies as a free agent. This allows any NBA team to negotiate and sign him without restrictions despite his current G League affiliation.
Oladipo’s Career and Recent Challenges
With a decade of NBA tenure, Oladipo has faced recent setbacks, including a torn patellar tendon in his left knee during the 2023 playoffs with the Miami Heat, which sidelined him for an extended period. His achievements include All-Star selections in 2018 and 2019, as well as earning the Most Improved Player award for the 2017-18 season.
At his peak, Oladipo was widely regarded as one of the elite perimeter defenders in the NBA, leading the league in steals during the 2017-18 campaign. His combination of athleticism and scoring ability made him a formidable competitor, also marked by his participation in the Slam Dunk contest twice, reaching the final in 2015 before falling to Zach LaVine.
Throughout his first ten seasons, Oladipo averaged 16.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. Approaching his 34th birthday, he still holds potential to join an NBA roster, which could further influence his career statistics.
Implications of the Trade for the Cleveland Charge and Oladipo
This acquisition positions the Cleveland Charge with an experienced guard who can provide leadership and skill as the team aims to make a stronger impact within the G League. The trade also reflects the fluid nature of player movement below the NBA level, where veterans like Oladipo seek opportunities to showcase their talents and potentially return to the NBA stage.
For Oladipo, joining the Cleveland Charge offers a platform to continue his professional career and possibly attract NBA interest for future contracts. For the Herd, gaining the rights to Gilyard, Jeffries, and future draft picks signals a focus on building for the longer term.
Thank you, Victor 💚
The Herd has acquired the returning player rights to Jacob Gilyard and Drake Jeffries, a second-round pick in the 2026 NBA G League Draft and a pick in the 2026 NBA G League International Draft from the Cleveland Charge in exchange for Victor Oladipo. pic.twitter.com/kyyEbWDrbf
— Wisconsin Herd (@WisconsinHerd) February 20, 2026
