Boston Celtics Rumors: Team Has Interest in Big Man Serge Ibaka
The Boston Celtics are rumored to be one of several teams interested in Orlando Magic big man Serge Ibaka.
Add Serge Ibaka to the list of big men the Boston Celtics are rumored to have interest in. As reported by the Sporting News’ Sean Deveney on Monday, the Orlando Magic have picked up steam in trying to trade Ibaka before the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 23. Of course, the Celtics are in the mix.
Entering the month of February ranked 26th in the NBA in rebounding differential, a rebounding, rim-protecting big man like Ibaka makes sense. He would not only add those elements to Boston, he would also add some scoring as well, but what would it take to get the big man?
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The Celtics certainly have the assets, but what and who are they willing to part with is the larger question. As the team is also interested in Nikola Vucevic, he could be the cheaper option and still give the Celtics the rebounding they have been in search for. Contractually Vucevic makes more since because he would still have two years left on his rookie contract, whereas Ibaka is in the final year of a four-year, $49.4 million contract and will become a free agent after the 2016-17 season.
With the trade deadline approaching, it is hard to believe Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge would be willing to give up too much for the services of a player who they may not be able to lock up long term.
Then again, if Ibaka gives any indication he is willing to work on a long-term deal with Boston, the 27-year-old would be a very nice addition. While his numbers have declined in Orlando, Serge Ibaka was a viable part of the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has made the NBA’s All-Defensive first team three times and as a 6-foot-10 big man, he has range that extends to the three-point stripe. We all know Brad Stevens loves those kinds of big men.
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With teams like Toronto, Washington, Indiana, Houston, Portland, and San Antonio also rumored to be in the mix, the Celtics would probably have to give up more than they would want for the talented shot blocker.