The Miami Heat are interested in upgrading their starting power forward position and there are rumors circulating that they have their eyes on Serge Ibaka of the Orlando Magic. Adding Ibaka would be a huge upgrade for Miami and a valuable player for a team looking to make a run for the playoffs.
According to a report from FanSided, the NBA rumor mill is saying Heat President Pat Riley is not going to wait for Luke Babbit or James Johnson to "surprise him later this season." And it looks like Ibaka is the guy he is looking at that will fit the current and future direction of the team.
The report adds that Ibaka is averaging about 15 points and seven rebounds, along with almost two blocks, for the Magic. He is also shooting 38.6-percent from the three-point range and is in his prime athletic years at only 27-years old.
Though the Magic's forward would be an unrestricted free agent this summer, he would be a great asset for a team that is currently making a push for a playoff spot, according to another report from FanSided via All U Can Heat. Miami, which was at 11-30 at one point, has strung together 12 consecutive wins, pushing it back in playoff contention.
The report said that Ibaka is versatile 6-foot-10 forward that can add a pick-and-pop option for the Heat and can space the floor with his three-pointer. He is also a versatile defender, able to defend big guys in the paint and can switch to smaller players.
Ibaka's versatility will allow Heat coach Erik Spoelstra to play the forward in traditional lineups alongside center Hassan Whiteside or in small ball lineups. He would play the center position in small ball lineups.
Though Ibaka will be a great addition for the Heat, the fact that he's an unrestricted free agent means that Miami would need assurance from him that he would stay beyond this season according to the report. Orlando is also asking a hefty price for the versatile forward, wanting a young player and a draft pick.
Trading for Ibaka would give the Heat his bird rights, meaning they can guarantee him more money when free agency opens. Check out some highlights of Ibaka in the 2016-2017 NBA season.
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