Trade Proposal: Serge Ibaka to Raptors
It’s time for us to weigh in on the “Serge Ibaka to Toronto Raptors” rumors with a trade proposal which works for both teams.
While most popular opinion would have the Toronto Raptors acquiring Paul Millsap, I can’t say I share the same thought. Instead I believe in the age-old saying “defense wins championships”. That’s why I have chosen Serge Ibaka of the Orlando Magic as the player the Toronto Raptors should pursue in a trade.
Jan 29, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) drives to the basket as Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) defends during the third quarter at Air Canada Centre. The Orlando Magic won 114-113. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Thus far this season the Toronto Raptors have had defensive struggles with their big men on the court. The trade proposal I have come up with will, I believe, benefit both teams involved.
Here’s the trade
Raptors get PF Serge Ibaka
Magic get SF Terrence Ross, PF Jared Sullinger & 2017 first-round draft pick
First we look at the Toronto Raptors
They would receive Serge Ibaka as the centerpiece of this deal who is not far removed from being in the running for DPOY and is only 27 years old compared to the almost 32 year old Paul Millsap. The Raptors need low post defense, rim protection and someone who can spread the floor while consistently being able to knock down a jumper or the occasional three. Ibaka, would take fewer assets to acquire due to the glut of forwards in Orlando. It wouldn’t help to move too many players as that might disrupt the chemistry of the Raptors this late in the season.
Feb 3, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) dribbles the ball past Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Another interesting key is that the Raptors might convince him to stay long term. I feel his shot blocking and ability to stretch the floor would be a perfect fit. The Raptors could build their own version of a “big three” with him but this would be contingent with how well he performs in his short audition with them the rest of this season and into the playoffs.
What the Orlando Magic get back
Now let’s talk about what the Orlando Magic get in return. The Magic seem to be stuck in the middle unsure if they want a full rebuild or are trying to make a push for the playoffs. While this season has been a major disappointment so far with a 20-35 compiled record thus far. So taking this into consideration they get a little of both.
The Raptors would be sending the opposite way their 2017 first round pick, Terrence Ross and Jared Sullinger. Let’s start with the pick, no matter where this falls (probably in the 20-25 range) this could turn out to be a great pick as the 2017 draft is loaded with talent and many players have tremendous potential.
Terrence Ross is someone who has proven he can score and be a 3pt threat on a nightly basis. His contract is a “team friendly” ($10.5m per) deal for the next two years following this current season. He and Aaron Gordon running the fast break together would be a perfect combination. The acrobatic dunks that would come of their pairing would certainly fill a few more seats which would be advantageous to the Orlando Magic. Lastly Jared Sullinger is someone the Raptors would consider expendable due to his injury concerns and underwhelming performance (3.4PPG, 2.5RBPG in 10.7MPG) so far this season.
I believe this is a fair trade for both franchises. It may help the Orlando Magic recoup some of the losses from this frustrating season. Something that may resonate in the back of Orlando GM Rob Hennigan’s mind is Ibaka’s freedom to walk in free agency. The Magic might want to get value for him while they still can.
Sources
Jared Sullinger stats
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/sullija01.html
Terrence Ross contract
NBA mock draft order
http://www.nbadraft.net/2017mock_draft
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