Did the Orlando Magic get a good return for Serge Ibaka?
Philip Rossman-Reich (@omagicdaily): I think the Orlando Magic did about as good as they could do, honestly. Getting a young player and a first-round pick for Serge Ibaka, when he is potentially just a rental, is the return I largely expected and desired for Ibaka. It was going to be hard to recoup total value for Ibaka. In the larger context of what the Magic gave up for Ibaka, of course, it is disappointing. But Orlando did about all they can do considering the market and their urgency to complete a deal.
David Iwanowski (@davidiwan1): I second what Phil just said. The demand for Ibaka was so limited because of the surplus of bigs on the market, as well as the possibility that Ibaka could bolt this summer. For the Magic to get a young-ish player who could be primed for an increase in production with his new role, as well as a first round pick, I thought that was a solid haul if you do not consider the price they paid for Ibaka. The Magic have a history of trading established vets for young players with diminished roles, and they have worked out twice before with Tobias Harris and Evan Fournier.
Alvaro Grullon (@AlGrullonNBA): The Orlando Magic acquired exactly what I expected them to acquire in a Serge Ibaka trade: A young player with potential and a first round draft pick. Teams were not going to overpay for Ibaka knowing that he is going to become an unrestricted free agent in a few months. Under the circumstances, the Magic did well by acquiring a player that has all of the skills to develop into a solid player in Terrence Ross and a low first round pick that hopefully turns into a solid rotation player down the line. With an expanded role with the Magic, I expect Ross to turn into a solid scorer and add shooting to a starting lineup that desperately needs it.
Vincent McMillan (@vmvincemj): Considering the total situation, the Orlando Magic got a decent return for Serge Ibaka. With him being a free agent this summer, the only teams that would give up anything slightly significant believe they are just a player away from challenging the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers for a Finals spot. The return would have been greater if Ibaka had more length on his contract. But then again, he may not have been traded if that were the case. Orlando ends up getting an athletic wing player who can slide into the rotation and make an impact for this Playoff push that seems still to be the goal. The Magic also get a first-round pick in a deep draft they can possibly package in another draft night deal if they do not like who is available at the bottom of the first round. I thought Orlando would come away with at least one more younger player in addition to what they got, maybe Jakob Poeltl, but this return is better than having Ibaka leave for nothing.
Muhammed Jumani (@MuMuJumani): The Magic were not simply going to get much for Serge Ibaka, who at this stage of the season was viewed as a rental that only legitimate contenders would be willing to take a gamble on. That is exactly what happened. The Toronto Raptors now have a real shot with Ibaka on their roster to defeat the Cavaliers. I still think they will be able to, but that is another conversation. But the Magic did get a great return, they got Terrence Ross. Ross can score the ball, which the Magic have struggled doing as they continue to have one of the worst offenses in the NBA. Even Rob Hennigan hinted at the Magic’s lack of scoring prowess in the press conference after the trade. Ibaka was good. But it did not work out. The Magic sit at 21-37 right now. As Vincent previously said, the Magic should have looked to get Jakob Poetl or perhaps another first round pick, which they could use as trade bait on draft night. And the move should open up time for other players.