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NBA Trade 2017 Latest News & Update: Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan Pumped With Serge Ibaka Coming
The Toronto Raptors and the Orlando Magic were able to come to terms for Serge Ibaka. The veteran forward is now with the Raptors at the expense of Terence Ross and a future pick. Ibaka has been one of the most mentioned names in NBA trade talks and also drew interest from the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat.
With Serge Ibaka, the Raptors finally get a veteran big man who can contribute on both sides of the court. He owns a decent outside shot and has been known to be a hard-nosed defender. Most of all, it is Ibaka’s experience that counts, something Kyle Lowry and DeMar Derozan are counting on, ESPN reported. With the Raptors losing 10 of its 14 games, the acquisition will hopefully aid coach Dwane Casey to arrest their skid.
The Raptors occupy fourth place in the Eastern Conference and the move is seen to be part of their beef-up for the postseason wars. Despite the key acquisition of Serge Ibaka, the Raptors know that he is technically a short-term fix. The 27-year-old banger is expected to opt out and test NBA free agency this Summer – meaning Toronto stands to lose him just the same. The case could be different however if the Raptors make a good run in the NBA playoffs.
For the Magic, they get Terence Ross who can step up when called upon. He will be in the company of young upstarts and likely play off guard or small forward. He holds a two-year contract worth $10.5 million each. The 2017 first-round draft pick may also come in handy for Orland to fill in key positions.
The Serge Ibaka trade may not be the last for the Magic. Other players like Nikola Vucevic and Jeff Green could be dealt as well before the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 23, according to CSN.
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