The Orlando Magic are reportedly open to entertain offers for defensive oriented big man Serge Ibaka in hope of landing someone that can help improve their offense. Ibaka, who is averaging 14.5 points and 6.6 rebounds this season, will likely draw interest from a playoff caliber team such as the Toronto Raptors.
Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel reported the Magic will be exploring options on the trading market as they look to address their stagnant offense. Orlando is ranked 29th in the league in points scored per possession through the first 21 games.
Robbins stated the Magic are willing to trade some of their expiring contracts, including Ibaka whom they acquired by sending Victor Oladipo to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a trade last summer.
"It's unclear whom the Magic would be willing to part with in a trade. But their assets include several players who are in the final season of their contracts: Jeff Green, Serge Ibaka, Jodie Meeks and C.J. Wilcox. The Magic also have C.J. Watson, whose 2017-18 salary is only partially guaranteed," per Robbins report.
Interestingly, teams looking to create cap space are expected to show in these players with expiring contracts. However, contenders might as well join the mix as they to improve the caliber of their roster.
One of the elite teams that could become a potential buyer when the trading season starts on December 15 is the Raptors, who was one of the teams that made a run at Ibaka before the Thunder sent him to Orlando last summer.
At 14-7, the Raptors are still a clear-cut top-tier team in the Eastern Conference along with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics. However, after failing to win a single game in three matches with the Cavs this season, there are concerns the current team make-up won't be enough to beat the best team in the East.
Acquiring a legit shot-blocker like Ibaka would drastically improve the Raptors interior defense that has been shaky this season following the departure of Bismack Biyombo to the Magic. Ibaka could also provide floor spacing, shooting a career-high 38.6 percent clip from beyond the arc this season.
The Magic are direly looking for someone who can jack up their offense, a personnel the Raptors possess on their bench in the person Terrence Ross.
