Ibaka traded to Orlando

[Endless Paradise]

Doesn't seem like it's much of a negative, if Berger's sources are to be believed:

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/thunder-try-to-sustain-success-by-calling-unhappy-serge-ibakas-bluff/

[jpotter33]

Doesn't seem like it's much of a negative, if Berger's sources are to be believed:

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/thunder-try-to-sustain-success-by-calling-unhappy-serge-ibakas-bluff/

"Oklahoma City sent Ibaka to the Magic for Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyosova and the rights to No. 11 pick Domantas Sabonis, league sources confirmed. The first thing to understand is that the trade never would have been made if there was a chance it would have affected Durant's decision in free agency; it won't, said a person close to the All-Star and former MVP."

That really doesn't make any sense at all. Durant has said many times that it's going to be a basketball decision, and he's going to find a place where he thinks he can win. He'll necessarily have an opinion on how this trade affects his team, so it necessarily will affect his decision. I just don't see this as a good move fit-wise on a team that was already having questions about fit. He's not going to want to play 4 full-time, and Kanter/Ilyasova replacing Ibaka is not going to be good at all for what was a below average defense for most of the year.

Plus, explain this to me. If they're worried about money and affording Ibaka, why did they trade for Oladipo, who is a restricted free agent the same time as Ibaka? He's going to command a major contract, too, so I'm a little confused how that really helps. It must have been more to do with Ibaka growing uneasy with his role, and they were afraid that he would demand a trade soon.

[Endless Paradise]

The suggestion seems to be that KD thinks the Thunder can win without Ibaka. That said, Ibaka will getting paid more than Oladipo while also being unrestricted; couple that with what was said about him apparently being a real flight risk next offseason and I can see why Presti decided to go with a more controllable asset in Oladipo over the more unknown variable in Ibaka.

[Who]

I think OKC take a step backwards next season. Wrong time to be going backwards. Real risk of Durant or Westbrook deciding they no longer trust the front office to build a title winner.

[Fafnir]

Weird trade, feel like its an overpay for Ibaka, and I also dislike it for OKC because I think it will hurt them next year.

[BitterJim]

Weird trade, feel like its an overpay for Ibaka, and I also dislike it for OKC because I think it will hurt them next year.

It's a horrible win-now trade for OKC, but if Durant is gone I like it.  Especially if they then trade Westbrook for young talent.

OKC could go from nearly making the Finals to a (very good) rebuild in a matter of months

[Fafnir]

Brilliant trade by Sam Presti.

Anyone seriously still think Durant is leaving OKC now? They have reloaded.

I just don't see the fit. Oladipo isn't a shooter and needs the ball to be effective, and at the 4 that's a major downgrade from Ibaka.

Preping for Waiters to leave with Oladipo?

[Fafnir]

Weird trade, feel like its an overpay for Ibaka, and I also dislike it for OKC because I think it will hurt them next year.

It's a horrible win-now trade for OKC, but if Durant is gone I like it.  Especially if they then trade Westbrook for young talent.

OKC could go from nearly making the Finals to a (very good) rebuild in a matter of months

Westbrook is young enough you build around him even if Durant leaves.

[Moranis]

Weird trade, feel like its an overpay for Ibaka, and I also dislike it for OKC because I think it will hurt them next year.

It's a horrible win-now trade for OKC, but if Durant is gone I like it.  Especially if they then trade Westbrook for young talent.

OKC could go from nearly making the Finals to a (very good) rebuild in a matter of months

Westbrook is young enough you build around him even if Durant leaves.

He is, but I think Westbrook is gone next summer.  I don't think he wants to be in OKC anymore. 

I'm apparently one of the few that likes the trade for Orlando.  They had some clear roster log jam probably in the backcourt and had a real need for a starting PF.  I think Ibaka is a great fit with Vucevic.  So now Orlando goes Vucevic, Ibaka, Gordon, Fornier, Payton with Hezonja as the 6th man.  That is a huge lineup, but a versatile one.  Gives Orlando some clear direction and starts their move towards contention. 

[saltlover]

I think OKC take a step backwards next season. Wrong time to be going backwards. Real risk of Durant or Westbrook deciding they no longer trust the front office to build a title winner.

I think this is the sign that OKC feels the writing is on the wall.  In three weeks, I wouldn't be surprised to see Durant gone and Weatbrook traded.

[Endless Paradise]

Here's the OKC-centric spin on things with a few anecdotes on the KD-Ibaka relationship:

http://espn.go.com/blog/okc-thunder/post/_/id/1780/thunder-hope-bold-draft-night-deal-pays-off-in-keeping-durant

[Endless Paradise]

This, as well:

http://newsok.com/article/5506071

[JumpingJudkins]

I see it as a total win for OKC. Sabonis/Kanter/Ilysasova can play the 4, and Oladipo gives them a massive upgrade at the 2. He can get after it on defense like Robertson, but he's also a threat on offense.

I really don't see Durant leaving now, and the Thunder could be the best team in the West.

[jpotter33]

Weird trade, feel like its an overpay for Ibaka, and I also dislike it for OKC because I think it will hurt them next year.

It's a horrible win-now trade for OKC, but if Durant is gone I like it.  Especially if they then trade Westbrook for young talent.

OKC could go from nearly making the Finals to a (very good) rebuild in a matter of months

Westbrook is young enough you build around him even if Durant leaves.

He is, but I think Westbrook is gone next summer.  I don't think he wants to be in OKC anymore. 

I'm apparently one of the few that likes the trade for Orlando.  They had some clear roster log jam probably in the backcourt and had a real need for a starting PF.  I think Ibaka is a great fit with Vucevic.  So now Orlando goes Vucevic, Ibaka, Gordon, Fornier, Payton with Hezonja as the 6th man.  That is a huge lineup, but a versatile one.  Gives Orlando some clear direction and starts their move towards contention.

No, I'm with you on this. I like it for Orlando and hate it for OKC. Ibaka is a great fit for them at the 4, and he provides excellent vet leadership for them.

I'm so glad to see that others are not seeing this OKC deal as a good deal for them, too. It seems that everyone on ESPN was universally lauding the deal, and I've been racking my brain with how this could be. I just don't see these guys as very good fits at all for OKC.

[jpotter33]

I see it as a total win for OKC. Sabonis/Kanter/Ilysasova can play the 4, and Oladipo gives them a massive upgrade at the 2. He can get after it on defense like Robertson, but he's also a threat on offense.

I really don't see Durant leaving now, and the Thunder could be the best team in the West.

But he generally has to have the ball in his hands to be effective, which isn't what they need at the 2. I will say that Oladipo's three point percentage is better than what I thought, though.

I think this was a middle-ground option that could possibly work for if Durant stays or goes.