The Milwaukee Bucks have yet to find much of a role for Serge Ibaka this season, and they do not intend to do so. He has quickly emerged as a key name to monitor ahead of the NBA trade deadline. The two sides recently agreed to find a trade as a resolution.
Ibaka has only appeared in 16 games for the Bucks this season and averaged 11.6 minutes per game during those appearances. He’s averaging only 4.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.4 blocks. He’s struggled to stay healthy over the last few seasons of his NBA career.
According to HoopsHype, several teams are monitoring Ibaka’s trade market ahead of the Feb. 9 deadline, including the Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat, and Atlanta Hawks.
Several teams are monitoring Ibaka, including the Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat, and Atlanta Hawks, league sources told HoopsHype. The sense is that Milwaukee would be willing to part with Ibaka for a second-round pick, according to NBA executives who spoke with HoopsHype.
The options are limited for the Bucks as far as a trade return is concerned. He is signed to just a one-year contract worth $2.9 million, making his deal not all that helpful for salary matching purposes without involving other contracts in a trade package. They have been linked to Cam Reddish, Eric Gordon, and Jae Crowder in recent NBA trade rumors, but such a deal likely would require Grayson Allen.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Serge Ibaka, Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat & Atlanta Hawks Updates
The Nets are seeking to acquire a proven frontcourt bench player who can protect the paint and space the floor. On a team with Ben Simmons, it’s especially important to have that capability. Kevin Durant, who has lots of power in their organization, has ties with Ibaka from their mutual time together as members of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Heat are open to upgrading Dewayne Dedmon, and perhaps Ibaka is an option they could benefit from taking a chance on, in contrast. Like the Nets, it would benefit Miami to prioritize center depth that features options capable with floor spacing and shot blocking abilities.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Serge Ibaka, Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat & Atlanta Hawks Updates
It’s challenging to see the vision for the Hawks when it comes to evaluating Ibaka as a trade target. They already have Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu as center options, which would make it challenging to find consistent playing time for Ibaka.
