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)
From being one of the worst teams in the National Basketball Association, the Miami Heat have easily turned themselves into playoff contenders as they now the hottest team in the league riding a 13 game winning streak. In an attempt to push for a playoff spot, the Heat are reportedly interested in acquiring big man Serge Ibaka.
With the loss of Dwayne Wade (trade to the Chicago Bulls) and Chris Bosh (blood clotting in lungs), the Miami Heat are originally in the rebuilding process. However, things changed when they started winning in 2017, including impressive victories over the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets. Now, according to the Miami Herald, Ibaka "intrigues the Heat."
But does not mean the Heat can easily accommodate a trade with the Orlando Magic, Ibaka's current team. Though the Magic have been vocal that they want to hear offers for the defensive specialist to get something in return as Ibaka hits free agency in the offseason, the Heat do not necessarily have the assets to make an easy deal.
Ibaka is having a career year despite Magic's woeful season. He is averaging 15.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.6 blocks while shooting 48.5 percent overall and 38.7 percent from the three-point land.
Aside from the Heat, Eastern Conference contenders Toronto Raptors have also shown interest in the Ibaka, SportsNet reported. The Raptors have been vocal in wanting to get an asset that would protect and man their paint and Ibaka seems fit to do that job.
However, the Serge Ibaka sweepstakes would a risky one. Teams which will deal with the Magic will have to face the reality that Ibaka might be gone quickly as he hits free agency in the offseason. If he gets traded to a team he does not like, there is no assurance whether he will sign a contract or test the waters in the free agent market.
