Trades during the NBA Draft are nothing new, but there was one deal that stood out from Thursday night. The Oklahoma City Thunder dealt Serge Ibaka to the Orlando Magic for Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova, and Domantas Sabonis, who was selected with the 11th pick in the draft.
The 25-year-old Ibaka was selected in the first round in 2008, and now gives the Magic more size down low, size that they have lacked since Dwight Howard left the organization. Magic general manager Rob Hennigan spoke highly of their new acquisition, describing the big man as "a young veteran who brings tremendous athleticism and toughness to our frontcourt."
Ibaka signed a four-year, $48 million contract extension in 2012, and was owed $12.25 million this upcoming season. The move gives the Thunder more salary cap room as they chase after free agent Kevin Durant.
The defensive force lead the league in blocks four consecutive seasons, becoming a three-time NBA all-defensive player. His block numbers have gone down the last two years, finishing fourth in that category in 2014-15, and third this past year. He does get it done on the offensive side of the ball, recording 1.7 three-pointers per game.
Oklahoma City did get a quality return, including 24-year-old Victor Oladipo. The Thunder wanted to take the shooter out of Indiana during the 2013 draft, but were unable to trade up for him. The 29-year-old Ilyasova has been around the league, playing for the Bucks and Pistons as well, and is owed $8.4 million this season.
On paper, the trade seems like a win-win, as both teams received quality skill and depth on their roster to help them heading into next season.
The 25-year-old Ibaka was selected in the first round in 2008, and now gives the Magic more size down low, size that they have lacked since Dwight Howard left the organization. Magic general manager Rob Hennigan spoke highly of their new acquisition, describing the big man as "a young veteran who brings tremendous athleticism and toughness to our frontcourt."
Ibaka signed a four-year, $48 million contract extension in 2012, and was owed $12.25 million this upcoming season. The move gives the Thunder more salary cap room as they chase after free agent Kevin Durant.
The defensive force lead the league in blocks four consecutive seasons, becoming a three-time NBA all-defensive player. His block numbers have gone down the last two years, finishing fourth in that category in 2014-15, and third this past year. He does get it done on the offensive side of the ball, recording 1.7 three-pointers per game.
Oklahoma City did get a quality return, including 24-year-old Victor Oladipo. The Thunder wanted to take the shooter out of Indiana during the 2013 draft, but were unable to trade up for him. The 29-year-old Ilyasova has been around the league, playing for the Bucks and Pistons as well, and is owed $8.4 million this season.
On paper, the trade seems like a win-win, as both teams received quality skill and depth on their roster to help them heading into next season.
