As expected, the Pacers have waived veteran center Serge Ibaka. The team confirmed the transaction in a press release.
Ibaka was traded from Milwaukee to Indiana on deadline day, but he was only included for salary-matching purposes in the four-team trade that sent Jae Crowder to the Bucks (and, of course, Kevin Durant to the Suns). A Thursday report indicated that he would be released by the Pacers.
Ibaka, 33, hasn’t looked the same after having back surgery a couple years ago. This season with the Bucks, he averaged 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. He and the Bucks agreed last month that he’d remain away from the team as the two sides sought a trade.
Ibaka has a strong NBA track record, having been one of the league’s best shot blockers during his time in Oklahoma City and playing a key part on a championship team in Toronto in 2019. We should get a sense based on how much interest he draws in free agency whether teams still believe he has something left in the tank.
The big man will clear waivers on Monday, assuming he goes unclaimed.
The Pacers are reportedly expected to re-sign James Johnson to fill the roster spot that Ibaka’s release will open.
Ibaka and Westbrook to OKC. Make it happen. That team has a record as good as the lakers and it’d be a good feel move if successful.
They would both make that team worse. Let the kids play.
Good day, sir. I would like a sample of whatever you have been smoking today.
Appears to be waaaay past his glory days.
Lol hot take
No clue it has been 9 years since he led in blocks. Time flies.
I think the Celtics definetly pick him up. They have no center right no with all their guys hurt. Al Horford needs less minutes, hes clearly almost finished. Blake Griffin isn’t a true center either. Robert Williams is always hurt. Perfect fit
Ibaka hasn’t been able play center for years if you have watched him
I’m not really seeing how James Johnson is an improvement over what Ibaka provides. Better defender?
It’s a locker room presence thing. There was an understanding with Johnson that this was the plan. He’s like a player coach.
How many people have they waived now. 5… For what. Should of traded Turner and a pick for Wiseman or ayton. Then draft a star SF but they are clueless
this would be the perfect player to be the backup to Joel embiid