Serge Ibaka just joined the Orlando Magic, but he only has one year left on his contract. In his contract year, you’d expect him to play great. He is the best player on his new team, and he will hopefully lead them to the playoffs. After that, Orlando hopes that they are able to keep him next off-season.
Ibaka would be valuable on any team, and some teams already have their eye on him for next summer. The Toronto Star’s Doug Smith recently did a Q&A, and was asked the following question:
“Q: Serge Ibaka will become an UFA after next season. Does Masai have the persuasive power to bring him North? Do you see any scenarios in which we could resign Lowry and also sign Ibaka and still keep a decent amount of our core and bench in tact?
A: Rest assured, at this moment – and all know how things can change – I know a free agent Serge Ibaka is very much on their minds and without knowing the total math or 2017 numbers, I imagine they have a scenario in mind where it could work.”
Ibaka in Toronto would just make the team that much stronger, but it will come at a high price. Ibaka will likely receive a max contract next summer, and the Raptors will also have to give Kyle Lowry a max too. That is a lot of money to hand out in one summer, so the question is is whether or not they have the money. Also, if they do sign Ibaka, will they try to keep Jared Sullinger, who they signed this off season.
