Serge Ibaka Watch Thread (Deadline/FA)

[Phantom255x]

I figure he will be shopped at the deadline if the Magic look to trade him for value, and if the Magic ultimately decide they are against keeping Ibaka on a big contract long term.

But even if he stays after the deadline, he could be a second tier FA option for Boston, and frankly, I think he is one of our more realistic FA options (barring another major trade), along with Millsap and maybe Noel (I assume Hayward, Griffin, and maybe even Noel stay put with their current teams).

Ibaka is averaging 15/7 with 2 blocks/game and 1 steal/game, in about 29 MPG.

His production may be diminishing a bit, but he can still put up points, rebound, and shoot threes (sounds like Brad's kind of guy!). Even so, as I said, he can REBOUND, and be an interior presence (something this team desperately needs unless you're content with KO/Zeller as our "intimidating 4/5 players").

One thing people need to remember is that a big reason OKC beat SAS and TOOK IT to Golden State last year in the playoffs (besides KD), was Ibaka's play. He had a great showing in the playoffs and put up points and rebounded efficiently as well. I think Ibaka is someone who can shine under the spot light (playoffs especially).

Right now, Ibaka has 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks vs. Toronto in 32 minutes.

[jpotter33]

I'm becoming more and more convinced that he's the best option to go to. He's pretty much an ideal fit both offensively and defensively for us, and he wouldn't require us to sacrifice the future to get him.

He has also the type of character that fits here - that tough, defensive-minded character where winning is what matters. Would be a superb fit next to Al in the starting lineup.

He's up to 20, 12, 3, and 1 now and a +19. And he's doing that against a big frontline in JV, which we'll need in the playoffs.

[Phantom255x]

I'm becoming more and more convinced that he's the best option to go to. He's pretty much an ideal fit both offensively and defensively for us, and he wouldn't require us to sacrifice the future to get him.

He has also the type of character that fits here - that tough, defensive-minded character where winning is what matters. Would be a superb fit next to Al in the starting lineup.

He's up to 20, 12, 3, and 1 now and a +19. And he's doing that against a big frontline in JV, which we'll need in the playoffs.

Yep, especially because the FA options are honestly dwindling.

Hayward? Staying. Griffin? Staying. Noel? Initially it was a possibility but I think Philly holds on to him going forward and instead ships Okafor.

Unless Ainge has another major trade in mind at the deadline or this summer, Ibaka could be our guy. Ibaka or Millsap.

[esel1000]

Ibaka would be a great fit here...

[Big_Dave31]

Baynes could be had for a lot cheaper, he gives us much needed toughness and his shot is pretty good.

Could be a much cheaper alternative?

[Phantom255x]

Baynes could be had for a lot cheaper, he gives us much needed toughness and his shot is pretty good.

Could be a much cheaper alternative?

In a trade, definitely.

Ibaka could be cheap too but not as cheap as Baynes.

But it's just not the deadline, it's also Free Agency.

Last season with ample cap space before rookie deals kick in, etc. Ainge will sign SOMEONE. Ibaka is a Free Agent this summer.

Unless Ainge has another big trade(s) in mind this summer though.

[Phantom255x]

Ibaka just finished the Toronto game with 20 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks.

Great effort against a great team (and potentially our rivals going forward in the next 3-5 years along with Cleveland of course).

[JOMVP]

I'm on board the Ibaka trade band wagon for sure. I think it is one of the more realistic options out there. We have enough attractice secondary assets to grab him from Orlando. Hopefully Ainge is on the same page as this board is.

[Big_Dave31]

Baynes could be had for a lot cheaper, he gives us much needed toughness and his shot is pretty good.

Could be a much cheaper alternative?

In a trade, definitely.

Ibaka could be cheap too but not as cheap as Baynes.

But it's just not the deadline, it's also Free Agency.

Last season with ample cap space before rookie deals kick in, etc. Ainge will sign SOMEONE. Ibaka is a Free Agent this summer.

Unless Ainge has another big trade(s) in mind this summer though.

Yeah, definitelyvia trade.

I wonder how much Ibaka would be seeking in the off season though, not sure I'd give him a contract much longer than 2 years, due to his rapid decline.

[slamtheking]

Ibaka wouldn't be a bad pick up if he could be picked up from Orlando for cheap.  if not, I think he'd be a decent Option B as a free agent after Milsap for our front court

[Phantom255x]

Baynes could be had for a lot cheaper, he gives us much needed toughness and his shot is pretty good.

Could be a much cheaper alternative?

In a trade, definitely.

Ibaka could be cheap too but not as cheap as Baynes.

But it's just not the deadline, it's also Free Agency.

Last season with ample cap space before rookie deals kick in, etc. Ainge will sign SOMEONE. Ibaka is a Free Agent this summer.

Unless Ainge has another big trade(s) in mind this summer though.

Yeah, definitelyvia trade.

I wonder how much Ibaka would be seeking in the off season though, not sure I'd give him a contract much longer than 2 years, due to his rapid decline.

He's likely going to command a 3 year deal at near-max value (doubt he gets a legit max).

I would probably do it if nothing else materialized at all.

After this summer C's have enough cap space for another Max-signing anyways, and Ibaka would be a great fit here and he could be a great interior presence who can REBOUND and also hit 3s at a good rate (Brad's kind of guy!)

[sdceltsfan]

Why not just trade for both Ibaka and Vucevic??? Instantly inject rebounding and rim protection in to our front-court. Ibaka is a far better defender on the block than anyone else we have, and Vucevic is decent enough.

I would send the Magic basically every expendable asset we have that isn't BKN picks, Smart, Brown, or any other starters.

My proposal would be:

Boston Trades- Amir, Jerbeko, Olynyk, Rozier, Boston 2018 1st, however many 2nd round picks.

Orlando Trades- Ibaka, Vucevic

Sucks to have to get rid of Rozier....if there was a way to swap him out of the deal and add Jackson as a PG prospect and another future non-BKN 1st?

We trim our rotation this season, and also create space for our new draft stock, plus our overseas stashes. The 2nd rounders likely won't make the team anyway. Orlando gets solid prospects and picks to build something with from one guy who bolts for sure, and another who can't possibly be part of their 5-year plan.

[hodgy03038]

As I have said before I don't care about his NEXT contract. Let's get him cheaply now and see how much or if he improves us and how he fits. Then we can think about signing him in the summer. One step at a time.

[saltlover]

As I have said before I don't care about his NEXT contract. Let's get him cheaply now and see how much or if he improves us and how he fits. Then we can think about signing him in the summer. One step at a time.

Correct.  As long as the price isn't too hefty, it's okay to let him walk if it doesn't work out.  Do we get to the conference finals and come close to beating the Cavs with Ibaka playing a key role?  Do even better than that? Keep him.  Does he play fine, but even with a healthy team we bow out quickly in the second round (or worse)?  He's probably not the answer.  Does he stink or alienate himself from the locker room?  Better to know that before free agency.

[Smartacus]

FWIW Nate Duncan talked about the trade deadline needs for the Atlantic Division on his most recent podcast and mentioned how our best move would most likely be to take on an impact player on an expiring contract. The 2 obvious candidates were Millsap and Ibaka.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/244787/Duncd-On-Pod-Trade-Deadline-Atlantic-Division-NOP-SAS

They think Millsap will stay put but Ibaka would make a lot of sense for us. All it would take is Amir's contract to match and and future Mid First.

They also feel that any move for a Max Guy like Jimmy Butler or Paul George would be better served waiting until the Summer so we can use our cap space before taking on another massive salary.

2 other things I found interesting...

Paul George most likely won't qualify for the designated veteran contract since he'd have to make another all NBA team. This means he's more likely to move than he would have been if he was eligible to resign for big money.

They feel that even though you'll hear a lot of people say that Danny is holding onto our assets too long and need's to be more aggressive in making a move, it's more likely that Danny staying the course this long has increased our position of power since that it's now clear that at least 1 but probably both of the Brooklyn picks will be top tier assets and the players that we're looking at are now closer to free agency and therefor less valuable on the trade market.

It's a good listen. Always interesting to hear the national perspective on your team.