Oladipo denies he wants to leave Pacers, affirms commitment to franchise

Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo has refuted a recent report that suggested he is eager to leave the team.

"I know there have been people saying that I have asked players to trade for me. That's just not true, period," Oladipo told The Athletic's Shams Charania. "I love my teammates, I cherish the state of Indiana, and I'm focused on leading this franchise to a title."

A report Thursday said the 28-year-old upset his Pacers teammates last season by asking members of opposing teams - including the Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks, and Miami Heat - if he could play for them while on the court.

However, Oladipo informed the organization that he remains committed to the team, he told Charania. The two-time All-Star said he's also had positive conversations with new Pacers head coach Nate Bjorkgren, who was hired last month to replace Nate McMillan.

Oladipo featured in just 19 games last season after suffering a torn quad tendon in his right knee during the 2018-19 campaign. He averaged 14.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists before Indiana was swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Miami Heat.