Three big-men who switched teams this past offseason may all be on the move once again. According to Alex Kennedy of Hoops Hype Serge Ibaka, Ian Mahinmi, and Al Jefferson are all available in trade discussions ahead of the deadline. Mahinmi and Jefferson both signed contracts for multiple years while Ibaka was essentially a rented by the Orlando Magic.
The Magic acquired Ibaka from the Oklahoma City Thunder in a blockbuster trade that involved guard Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova, and the 11th pick in last year’s draft (eventually Domantas Sabonis). The trade was considered a heist for the Thunder, mostly because Ibaka was in the last year of his contract and is considered a long shot to re-sign with the Magic. His value is questionable because any team that acquires him could see him walk in June via free agency, so there is no guarantee he is a long-term asset. Orlando will almost certainly not get back what they gave up for Ibaka, but anything is better than nothing. Orlando has endured a tough season, so it should be no surprise that Serge Ibaka is a candidate to be moved.
Al Jefferson signed a three-year $30 million contract with the Indiana Pacers, but has not had the same utility as previous years. He is averaging the second-lowest minutes per game (14.9) and third-lowest points per game (8.7) for his career, but has had success in his bench role. The Pacers have high expectations after their big offseason, but hoped to be a more prominent threat in the Eastern Conference. Moving Jefferson could be a way of filling another need.
Mahinmi joined the Wizards and new head coach Scott Brooks on a four-year $64 million deal, but has been injured all season. He has played 14 minutes this year and tallied only one point. Things do appear to be looking up for Mahinmi though as he took part in shootaround for the first time since November. The Wizards have thrived without Mahinmi too, which could be their reasoning for looking to deal him before the trade deadline.
