NBA 2017 Trade Rumors: Orlando Magic Looking for Trade Partner for Serge Ibaka; Rockets and Raptors, Interested

The Magic is seemingly trying to hit the reset button by aggressively dangling Serge Ibaka as a bait for a trade that would see them acquire more assets. With the trade deadline looming, teams such as the Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors have inquired about the versatile power forward from Congo.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, one of the teams that have reached to Orlando for the services of Ibaka is the Toronto Raptors. Ibaka would help the Raptors, who already has in its roster two All-Stars in Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, by spreading the floor and providing added rim protection.

However, the Magic is asking for too much. Sources say that the Magic have interest in Terrence Ross and Patrick Patterson. Both players are part of the Raptors regular rotation which puts this potential trade in jeopardy as much as it would benefit both teams.

The SportingNews reports that the Houston Rockets is also a possible landing spot for Serge Ibaka. The Rockets have been looking for a veteran, defensive-minded big after losing Clint Capela to injury.

It doesn't hurt that Ibaka can shoot the 3 ball consistently and he's a former teammate of MVP race frontrunner, James Harden. Also, Mike D'Antoni's offense is predicated on playing quick, spacing the floor, and shooting a high number of 3's.

That said, Serge Ibaka is quicker than the average NBA forwards so he fits the bill. The Orlando Magic acquired Ibaka from the Oklahoma City Thunder in a draft deal trade that sent Victor Oladipo, rookie Domantas Sabonis, and Ersan Ilyasova to the Thunder in exchange for the versatile big man.

The Orlando Magic GM, Rob Hennigan, has said that the Magic hope Ibaka will remain with Orlando in the future. However, Hennigan didn't rule out the possibility that they could make a few moves at the trade deadline. "We have to go into the trade deadline looking to improve the team by any means necessary," Hennigan said.