|
TORONTO, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Toronto Raptors announced prior to Tuesday's road game against the Chicago Bulls that they have acquired forward-center Serge Ibaka from the Orlando Magic for swingman Terrence Ross and a first-round pick in this summer's NBA draft.
The 27-year-old native of the Congo averaged a career-high 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 30.5 minutes in 56 games with the Magic this season. He is shooting a career-best 38.8 percent from the three-point line.
"Our organization is excited to add a player of this caliber to our team as we strive to reach the next level," said Raptors President Masai Ujiri, who made his first trade since the summer of 2015. "Serge Ibaka brings valuable postseason experience and elevates our talent level in many different areas," he added.
At 2.08 meters and 107 kg, Ibaka is currently in his eighth season in the league. After being drafted by the Oklahoma City franchise as 24th overall pick in the 2008 draft, he played his first seven years with the Thunder before being traded to Orlando in the offseason. Ibaka led the league in blocks for four straight seasons from 2010 to 2014 and was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team from 2012 to 2014.
Ibaka brings with him a plethora of playoff experience, playing in 89 postseason games with the Thunder. He reached the Western Conference finals four times, including the NBA Finals in 2012. He becomes the most experienced postseason player on the team, surpassing guard Cory Joseph's 61 playoff games.
Toronto will give up 26-year-old Ross, who they drafted eighth overall in the 2012 draft. The Portland-native averaged 9.5 points and 2.6 rebounds in 363 games. Ross ties the franchise record for most points in a single game with 51 scored on Jan. 2014 and ranks third in team history with 598 three-pointers made.
"We thank Terrence for his dedication and service to the Raptors organization. He is a wonderful young man who has helped our team grow the last few seasons," said Ujiri in a press release.
