Former NBA Champ Enters The Free Agent Market


The Indiana Pacers took part in a 3-team trade with the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks on deadline day that landed them George Hill, forward Jordan Nwora and veteran center Serge Ibaka. They had no intention, however, of keeping Ibaka, and today have officially sent him on his way.

Ibaka had been sitting out for the last few weeks for "personal reasons" while the Bucks tried to find a new location for him. The 33-year-old had been caught in a frontcourt crunch in Milwaukee, unable to find any playing time behind the likes of Giannis AntetokounmpoBrook Lopez and Bobby Portis. 

In 16 games this season, he played just over 11 minutes per contest, and averaged  4.1 points and 3.8 rebounds. 

Now that the Pacers have waived him, the former NBA champ can peddle his services to any team in the league. 

In 14 seasons in the NBA, Ibaka has averaged 12 points, 7.1 rebounds and just under 2.0 blocks per game with five different teams. His first seven seasons were spent with the Oklahoma City Thunder, while the peak of his career came during his four seasons with the Toronto Raptors, helping the team to the 2019 championship. 

Photo: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports