Another big name reportedly is up for grabs as the 2016 NBA Draft rapidly approaches.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are shopping big man Serge Ibaka ahead of Thursday night’s draft, a source told Marc J. Spears of ESPN.com’s The Undefeated.
That’s pretty big news, as Ibaka has played a significant role in OKC behind the superstar tandem of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. The 26-year-old averaged 12 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game last season and was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team three seasons in a row from 2012 to 2014.
Ibaka is entering the final year of a four-year, $49.4 million contract and is set to make $12.3 million next season.
It’s possible the Thunder are seeking a draft pick as part of their return in a trade for Ibaka, as they enter the draft without a selection. That could make the Boston Celtics, who have a whopping eight picks in this year’s draft and are in need of a quality big man, a potential team of interest.
OKC will be one of the most intriguing teams to watch this offseason, as Durant will enter free agency July 1 but could wind up re-signing with the Thunder.
It appears Ibaka isn’t concerned with all the chatter, however. Shortly after Spears broke the news that he was on the trading block, the Republic of the Congo native sent out the following tweet:
Thumbnail photo via Cary Edmonson/USA TODAY Sports Images
