Serge Ibaka is on the move again.
The Orlando Magic traded the big man to the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski reported, citing league sources.
According to the report, Toronto sent the lower of its two first-round picks in 2017 to Orlando to acquire the former first-round pick. The Raptors also will send Terrence Ross to the Magic, Wojnarowski reported.
Toronto has to hope acquiring Ibaka gives it a much-needed shot in the arm. The Raptors spent most of the season near the top of the Eastern Conference with a relatively firm grasp on the top spot in the Atlantic Division. However, Toronto has lost 10 of its last 14, falling to fifth in the East. The Boston Celtics, who have won nine of their last 10, catapulted the Raptors in the Atlantic Division and hold a four-game lead entering play Tuesday.
Ibaka, a three-time All-Defensive selection, should give the Raptors an immediate boost in their own end. The 6-foot-10 rim protector isn’t up around three blocks per game like he was earlier in his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but he’s still averaging 1.6 blocks per game and pulling down 6.8 rebounds per game this season, his first with the Magic.
Meanwhile, this closes the book on what could end up being a forgettable stretch for the Magic, who have made some questionable personnel decisions over the last few years.
Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
