Serge Ibaka is a man in-demand right now. The 2019 NBA champion is set to become a free agent and he’s already drawing attention from contenders. The big man spent the last four seasons with the Toronto Raptors and it’s time to part ways with the Canadians.
Ibaka, 31, won a title with the Raptors and even at his age, he can be a great addition to a contender team. Proof of that is the teams that are reportedly interested in acquiring his services offseason.
The Congolese-Spanish player has the experience, the quality and the body to be great on whichever team. Right now he’s been followed by the Los Angeles Lakers, but the Houston Rockets and the Brooklyn Nets could damage the purple and gold’s plans.
Rockets, Nets join Lakers in pursuit of Serge Ibaka
According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, the Rockets are interested in the big man. This should prove that the Rockets are really changing their culture after one season where they went with the small-ball lineup that created more problems than solutions.
Ibaka played with James Hardenin OKC and that could be attractive to him. However, another former Ibaka’s teammate, Kevin Durant, is recruiting the player to the Nets. According to Mike Mazzeo of Forbes, Durant is doing everything to lure the center to Brooklyn.
“Kevin Durant has been recruiting close friend Serge Ibaka to join the Brooklyn Nets as a free agent, according to league sources.
Durant and Ibaka forged a strong relationship while playing together in Oklahoma City. But the veteran Ibaka, who made $23.3 million last season, would have to take a significant discount to join the Nets.
“We’re very close, he’s like my brother,” Ibaka said of Durant earlier this year to Fansided.”
Durant and Ibaka played together in Oklahoma City, reaching the 2012 NBA Finals where the Big 3 Miami Heat beat them in five games. Now they could get their revenge with the Nets, a team with high expectations for the upcoming season.
Ibaka is still a quality player. He has several good teams behind him and the last decision will come to him. Rockets, Nets and Lakers will be delighted to have him on the roster, but only one can get the 2019 NBA champion.