OKC’s Ibaka traded to Magic for package including Oladipo
In a potential sign of things to come at the Oklahoma City Thunder, Serge Ibaka was dealt to the Orlando Magic on Thursday.
With 2014 MVP Kevin Durant set to become an unrestricted free agent next week, the Thunder sent power forward Ibaka to the Magic for guard Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova and rookie Domantas Sabonis on the same night of the NBA Draft in Brooklyn.
Ibaka – a three-time NBA All-All Defensive first teamer – has averaged 12.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game with the Thunder in seven seasons.
Welcome to Orlando, @sergeibaka9!https://t.co/CSSmW904OR
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) June 24, 2016
Though the 26-year-old has not quite been good enough to officially be lumped into a “Big Three” with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, he has been a great two-way player who plays with a lot of effort.
Oladipo was drafted second overall by Orlando in 2013. He has averaged 16 points per game in his first three seasons and has proved he can be a versatile scorer and defender.
NEWS. Thunder acquires Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova & draft rights to Domantas Sabonis in trade w/Orlando. pic.twitter.com/NZ8JOqwjEc
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) June 24, 2016
Just moments after Sabonis slipped on a Magic cap as the 11th pick, he was interviewed again as a Thunder player. The Gonzaga forward was the first player since Patrick Ewing Jr. to be selected in the draft whose father is in the Hall of Fame as a player.
“Tonight represented an opportunity to build the versatility, depth and skill of our basketball team,” said Thunder general manager Sam Presti.
“Victor, Ersan and Domantas represent the character, work ethic and toughness that we relentlessly pursue with the Thunder. Through the continued emergence and development of our core, we were able to capitalize on the opportunity to acquire three highly skilled professionals.
“I want to acknowledge Serge for his contributions to the ongoing legacy of the Thunder. He has been integral to our success and growth, has been a great community member and we wish him only the best.”
