Serge Ibaka may become a free agent next summer, but he doesn’t plan on leaving his new home in Orlando. On draft night, Ibaka was traded from Oklahoma City to the Orlando Magic for Victor Oladipo and some other assets.
More recently, Ibaka spoke with Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel about his desires to stay in Orlando for the rest of his career:
“I’m looking to stay here to play forever – for (as) many, many years as possible,” said Serge.
“I’m not really worried about my contract year or my long term.”
Orlando is a young, up-and-coming team. Much like the situation Ibaka was in with the Thunder at the start of his career. Now, he is a valuable piece to the Magic’s starting lineup. He is the leader of the team, and likely their best player. This season, he will be tasked with a bigger leadership role then he has ever had before. Instead of learning from older players, the defensive monster will be the teacher.
The Magic want to make the playoffs, and Ibaka is already experienced with that:
“One of the things I learned playing on a good team is when the team wins, when you make the playoffs, everybody looks good,” Ibaka said. “So that’s what will be my focus right now, because if we win and make the playoffs, everything will take care of itself.”
