The Orlando Magic have acquired forward Serge Ibaka from the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first big trade of draft night, according to The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski. Ibaka spent the first seven years of his career in OKC and will now move on to Orlando, which is looking to take a leap in the Eastern Conference after years of building.
The Thunder will receive shooting guard Victor Oladipo, forward Ersan Ilyasova and the rights to No. 11 overall pick Domantas Sabonis in the trade, per Wojnarowski.
This is a huge trade for both teams. Ibaka was considered a trade candidate this summer after the Thunder fell short in the postseason once again this year, while the Magic have been active over the past year in re-shaping their roster to take meaningful steps toward contention. By landing Ibaka, Orlando immediately adds a true starting power forward who can play strong defense and take some pressure off center Nikola Vucevic.
Last season, Ibaka averaged 12.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. He wasn't close to the dominant shot-blocker who earned All-Defense First Team honors from 2012-14, but he remains an effective and versatile defender who should immediately help the Magic on that end of the floor.
For Oklahoma City, the trade of Ibaka is a sign that the team is ready to significantly shake things up after falling short of a championship once again. With the top priority being to re-sign Kevin Durant, the Thunder are hoping some change elsewhere on the roster will be the trick to get this team to another level.
Oladipo in particular is an intriguing addition to the Thunder. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2013 draft has developed into a solid perimeter defender and could be the steady backcourt mate that Russell Westbrook hasn't always had. In 72 games last season, the 6'4 guard averaged 16 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Meanwhile, Ilyasova could be a useful floor-spacer off the bench and Sabonis is a good flier on a talented prospect.
It's the first monster deal of draft night, one that will have huge implications for both teams going forward.
http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2016/6/...o-ersan-ilyasova-magic-thunder-nba-draft-2016
The Thunder will receive shooting guard Victor Oladipo, forward Ersan Ilyasova and the rights to No. 11 overall pick Domantas Sabonis in the trade, per Wojnarowski.
This is a huge trade for both teams. Ibaka was considered a trade candidate this summer after the Thunder fell short in the postseason once again this year, while the Magic have been active over the past year in re-shaping their roster to take meaningful steps toward contention. By landing Ibaka, Orlando immediately adds a true starting power forward who can play strong defense and take some pressure off center Nikola Vucevic.
Last season, Ibaka averaged 12.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. He wasn't close to the dominant shot-blocker who earned All-Defense First Team honors from 2012-14, but he remains an effective and versatile defender who should immediately help the Magic on that end of the floor.
For Oklahoma City, the trade of Ibaka is a sign that the team is ready to significantly shake things up after falling short of a championship once again. With the top priority being to re-sign Kevin Durant, the Thunder are hoping some change elsewhere on the roster will be the trick to get this team to another level.
Oladipo in particular is an intriguing addition to the Thunder. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2013 draft has developed into a solid perimeter defender and could be the steady backcourt mate that Russell Westbrook hasn't always had. In 72 games last season, the 6'4 guard averaged 16 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Meanwhile, Ilyasova could be a useful floor-spacer off the bench and Sabonis is a good flier on a talented prospect.
It's the first monster deal of draft night, one that will have huge implications for both teams going forward.
http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2016/6/...o-ersan-ilyasova-magic-thunder-nba-draft-2016
