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Serge Ibaka: 5 potential landing spots in free agency

By Nate Wolf

Mar 27, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka (9) reacts after being called for a personal foul against the Orlando Magic at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Magic 131-112. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka (9) reacts after being called for a personal foul against the Orlando Magic at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Magic 131-112. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 18, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) talks with forward Serge Ibaka (9) after beating Milwaukee Bucks 106-100 in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) talks with forward Serge Ibaka (9) after beating Milwaukee Bucks 106-100 in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Toronto Raptors

Serge Ibaka will probably stay with the Toronto Raptors. I’ve already expressed concern with the Raptors offering a four-year deal to Ibaka and handcuffing themselves for the future, but no other team with cap space makes more sense.

If the Raptors can somehow attach a pick to Jonas Valanciunas and trade him, a spot will open up at center for Ibaka to take. He fits well there. DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry need room to operate, and Ibaka’s shooting opens up the floor.

Defensively, the Raptors improved markedly after Ibaka’s arrival in February. It’s difficult to say how much of that improvement was due to Ibaka and how much was noise (or P.J. Tucker), but potential remains for next season. Ibaka posted a stingy 101.7 defensive rating without Valanciunas on the court, per NBA.com.

Good teams require rim protection, which Ibaka offers. Still, he offers it at a price. Toronto is capped out next season, but they have Ibaka’s Bird Rights and can theoretically offer the big man as much as he wants.

Add that deal to Lowry’s likely max or near-max contract, and the Raptors’ payroll will skyrocket straight into the luxury tax, barring multiple salary dumps. Again, I don’t believe Toronto’s ownership should agree to pay extra for a non-contender. My opinion doesn’t really matter, though.

Next: 5 potential landing spots for Kyle Lowry in free agency

For Raptors management and most Raptors fans, if Lowry re-signs, retaining Ibaka will be a no-brainer. If Lowry leaves – well – let’s just say Toronto general manager Masai Ujiri will have more pressing problems than Ibaka’s next contract.