The Bucks and Serge Ibaka have agreed to try to find the veteran big man a new home via the trade market, sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link).
Ibaka has been away from the Bucks for the last six games for personal reasons and Charania’s report suggests the 33-year-old will remain away from the team as it explores potential deals.
Formerly one of the NBA’s top shot blockers in Oklahoma City and a key part of a championship team in Toronto, Ibaka was – in his prime – capable of protecting the rim on defense and knocking down outside shots on offense. However, he has been slowed by back issues in recent years and has seen his production drop off.
Acquired from the Clippers at last season’s trade deadline, Ibaka appeared in 19 regular season games for Milwaukee down the stretch, averaging 7.0 PPG and 5.3 RPG with a .519/.351/.800 shooting line in 17.8 MPG, but he wasn’t part of the Bucks’ playoff rotation. In 2022/23, he has played a career-low 11.6 minutes per game in 16 appearances, putting up 4.1 PPG and 2.8 RPG on .481/.333/.615 shooting in his limited role.
Given his decline in playing time and performance, Ibaka likely won’t generate a bidding war on the trade market, but his one-year, minimum-salary contract is about as team-friendly as it gets, so a deal is possible. It sounds like he’d be a strong candidate for a buyout if the Bucks can’t find a trade partner.
Prior to Charania’s report, Ian Begley of SNY.tv (Twitter video link) had mentioned Ibaka as a possible target for the Knicks if the team wants to add more frontcourt depth in the wake of Mitchell Robinson‘s thumb injury.
Perhaps the Bucks can pry away Drew Eubanks from Portland in exchange for Ibaka.
Back to the Clippers
I think the Knicks would make sense, especially as they don’t have much outside shooting from the front court. Protected 2nd probably gets it done.
Mavs please.
If i was the knicks, The best deal for them is getting kuzma. This also gives them depth with carey jr. and they can also bring back favorite taj gibson.
Clippers and Suns are the best destination for ibaka right now. Suns got 1 open slot or they can send okagie to bucks, While clippers can send unused guys to the bucks.
I’m with it. But what does it cost the Knicks?
JaMychal Green for Serge Ibaka straight up.
Keeping young players would be disaster for Warriors
Fire Bob Myers
Why do the Warriors need to get old?
You trade Moody for Isiah Steward. You don’t trade Moody for Ibaka.
What I mean is trade youth for youth.
@sillivan Who said anything about trading Moody for Ibaka? Where did you get that idea? The guy is buyout candidate. Why make a trade when you don’t need to?
Warriors need to clear another roster spot for buyout market.
They already have a roster spot for him.
If he is a buyout, no need to make a trade. He seems like a perfect fit.
Agreed: JM Green is no Otto Porter so a trade for Ibaka would be worth a gamble if he can be healthy for the playoffs. A Lamb will be signed to fill the 15th spot.
I mean, I’ve always liked Ibaka’s game and energy, but there’s nothing left in the tank. Just try to get a second round pick if you can.
Would he be subject to waivers? Have to imagine if the Bucks waived him, someone would claim and alleviate any future cap hit.
I think the Cavs could trade Robin Lopez for Ibaka. Reunite the Lopez bros, and give the Cavs a better backup center
Seems like he wasn’t/isn’t a “Bud guy” and maybe they’d have been better off not bringing him back. The front office probably should have realized it wasn’t a good match when he wasn’t in the playoff rotation.
Oh well, maybe they can use his salary to help get a trade hammered out.
He has no real trade value. MIL likely just wants the contract off the luxury tax rolls. They likely won’t even want a player back. Some nominal asset (top 55 protected 2nd) to MIL, with MIL sending cash to the acquiring team is most likely.
I said it here before, even before the 2008 draft there were rumors that he had lied about his age. In Spain, where he played before coming to the NBA, it was a common idea. Perhaps that’s way his downfall started when he was still “Young”. I mean, he’s 33 yet he looks like a 40 man
no one cares crack8r
Ibaka and a 2nd for Reddish
“Not playing for personal reasons.
Ibaka Will stay away from the team until a trade is made”
Terminology, sociology, psychology, how people think and react. These Fascinates me above all.
Is this any different than PHO suns player saying he won’t play until traded? Its certainly worded better to make it sound easier to digest to make Ibaka not look like a bad guy.
From a team standpoint, ESPECIALLY coaches, it is most important for players to practice and play better and show more effort than another player, in order to play in actual games. Play on merit.
Then players force their way into trying to force a coach to play or force a team. I bet it pisses off coaches to no end.
Bulls could use him