Raptors acquire big man Ibaka from Magic for Ross ahead of trade deadline
TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors were cartwheeling down the Eastern Conference standings, and a sense of unease had seeped into the dressing room.
Team president Masai Ujiri made a big splash Tuesday to try to get the club back on track by reeling in Serge Ibaka from the Orlando Magic, acquiring a player he’s long coveted and filling a void at the power forward position. The Raptors gave up Terrence Ross and a first-round pick in the 2017 draft in exchange for the pivotal big man.
“He’s definitely one of a kind when it comes to rim protection, being able to score in the post, and also space the floor as well,” Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan said at the team’s morning shootaround in Chicago. “Sucks to see (Terrence) go, but now we’ve got to make this new adjustment with a great new addition.”
The Raptors confirmed the deal late Tuesday afternoon. Ibaka was expected to fly to Toronto on Tuesday evening and, depending on how long his physical takes, could be in uniform Wednesday when the Raptors host Charlotte.