Serge Ibaka of the Orlando Magic reacts to a missed shot in the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 2, 2017 in New York City. (Photo : Getty Images/Elsa)
The NBA trade rumors are now heating up as there are only two weeks before the deadline. Serge Ibaka of the Orlando Magic has now become a top commodity.
Ibaka has the talent and experience along with his defensive toughness that could really be useful in the playoffs. The Orlando Magic may be willing to trade him as they may already realize that he is likely leaving via free agency. Since the Magic are not likely to make the playoffs, they may as well trade Ibaka and get assets for a contender rather than let him walk away.
Teams will take a risk on trading for the power forward since he could also bolt at the end of the season. However, Ibaka is sure difference-maker in a playoff series-even the San Antonio Spurs can attest to that.
One surprise team that is reportedly taking interest in Ibaka is the Miami Heat. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Pat Riley is now taking on a win-now stance instead of tanking.
"Meanwhile, Riley is expected to explore moves before the Feb. 23 trade deadline.
One name we've been told is on Miami's radar: Orlando forward Serge Ibaka, an impending free agent for whom the Magic reportedly is willing to consider offers.
It's unclear whether the Heat has assets that the Magic wants, or how aggressively Miami will pursue this. But Ibaka intrigues the Heat."
Ibaka can quickly take the place of Chris Bosh at the power forward spot and form a mighty defensive frontline with Hassan Whiteside. While Riley may be willing to take the risk (he has been quite successful with free agents prior to the past two years), the asset game may not favor them, especially since there are other aggressive teams on the prowl, like the Houston Rockets.
A report from Calvin Watkins of ESPN has confirmed the interest of the Rockets towards Ibaka.
"There is also some interest in Orlando power forward Serge Ibaka, who is apparently is on the trade block. Ibaka scored 28 points in 40 minutes in the Magic's loss at Houston on Tuesday night. Ibaka would bring a defensive presence and another shooter that could fit into Mike D'Antoni's offense."
The Rockets may have more assets to offer the Orlando Magic. They have KJ McDaniels who could be a good fit for the Magic and they also own their own first round pick.
A first round pick might be too steep a price for an impending free agent as not even the Miami Heat would risk that. The Rockets have second round picks from Denver and Portland that they could throw.
