Magic trade Ibaka to Raptors for Ross, 1st-round pick
The Toronto Raptors have finally addressed their longstanding need at power forward.
The Raptors have acquired Orlando Magic big man Serge Ibaka in exchange for Terrence Ross and a 2017 first-round draft pick, sources told The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowksi.
The deal was made official soon after.
.@Raptors have acquired Serge Ibaka from Orlando in exchange for Terrence Ross and a future first-round draft pick. #WeTheNorth
— RaptorsMR (@RaptorsMR) February 14, 2017
The Raptors own their own first-round pick in this summer's draft, along with the Los Angeles Clippers' first-rounder; Orlando will get the lower of the two selections, Wojnarowski reports.
The Raptors have lacked for a star-caliber forward since Chris Bosh decamped for South Beach nearly seven years ago, and have long coveted Ibaka.
By acquiring his Bird rights, they'll give themselves a good chance at re-signing him when he hits unrestricted free agency this summer - something Toronto reportedly has every intention of doing. The 27-year-old is averaging 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks, while shooting a career-best 38.8 percent from 3-point range this season.
Ross, 26, has two years and $21 million left on his contract after this season, and will help balance an ill-fitting Magic roster that was far too crowded up front. He's cooled off after a scorching start to the season, but is still shooting 37.5 percent from 3-point range on 4.7 attempts per game, with a career-high 14.9 PER.