Serge Ibaka Trade Rumors: 5 Teams That Should Trade For Magic PF

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Nov 23, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Phoenix Suns center Alex Len (21) shoots the ball over Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Phoenix Suns

Do the Phoenix Suns “need” Serge Ibaka? Definitely not. But since neither Marquese Chriss nor Dragan Bender are ready to play starter’s minutes at the 4, and since the Suns might aid their youth movement by trading some veterans away at the trade deadline, a deal like this might make sense for both sides.

We also can’t ignore that the Suns want to move Brandon Knight as soon as possible, which would free up minutes for rookie Tyler Ulis and possibly another point guard in this year’s point guard-heavy draft.

For the Suns, they’d be getting a quality power forward who’s been on successful playoff teams and could help mentor the young players. He’d spread the floor for a poor three-point shooting team and bolster the defense with his shot-blocking.

Phoenix also stands little chance of competing with other suitors for the summer’s marquee free agents, so they could throw as much money at Ibaka as needed to re-sign him.

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For the Magic, they’d be getting another option for their starting point guard spot. Elfrid Payton has more upside, is younger and has been playing much better recently, but trade rumors have swirled around him for the past few months and the front office might not be sold on his progress or his long-term fit.

Knight has been awful during his time in a Suns jersey, but just a few seasons ago, he was a borderline All-Star with the Milwaukee Bucks — back when he still had the ball in his hands. If the Magic are browsing the market for a point guard, Knight is one potential option who’d be readily available.

Is he the best option? Absolutely not. But if the market for Ibaka is drier than expected, at least they’d be getting something out of him before he bolts in free agency. Meanwhile, the Suns would finally get Knight out of Phoenix while receiving a very useful stretch-4 in his prime.

However, if the Suns are committing to the youth movement, do they really need another veteran power forward obstructing Chriss’ and Bender’s path to extended minutes?

Would they really want to offer him a max contract to keep him for the long-term when they wouldn’t be competing for anything during his prime? Would Ibaka even want to re-sign to babysit the young Suns? And if the Magic don’t want Knight, doesn’t that kind of defeat the whole purpose of making a trade like this?

Ibaka would be a great return for Knight, and the Magic would be getting something out of him before he leaves, but Knight has been truly awful this season and the Suns may not want Orlando’s stretch-4 if they’re focusing on development.

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