Raptors reportedly planning to target Serge Ibaka next summer
The Toronto Raptors must want revenge on the Orlando Magic for stealing Bismack Biyombo away this offseason.
According to a report by Doug Smith of the Toronto Star, the Raptors are planning to pursue three-time All-Defensive First Team big man Serge Ibaka next summer with a run at Ibaka said to be “very much on their minds.”
The 26-year-old Ibaka becomes an unrestricted free agent after the 2016-17 campaign. He would make for an excellent fit on a Raptors team with a hole at the power forward position, where they are currently planning to start reclamation project Jared Sullinger next season.
As a multi-purpose big with elite stretch-4 and rim guardian capabilities, Ibaka is an ideal piece to potentially slot next to center Jonas Valanciunas. He is also able to close games as an undersized 5 in certain situations.
Orlando’s frontcourt looks a bit congested after they brought in both Ibaka and Biyombo to compete for playing time with Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon. It’s still uncertain how open Ibaka might be to signing a long-term extension with the Magic, but it looks like he already has options elsewhere should he choose not to.
H/T NBA Reddit
