Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsTuesday, June 23, 2026

Serge Ibaka traded to Orlando Magic, per report

Ibaka is heading to Orlando.

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Orlando Magic have acquired forward Serge Ibaka from the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first big trade of draft night, according to The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski. Ibaka spent the first seven years of his career in OKC and will now move on to Orlando, which is looking to take a leap in the Eastern Conference after years of building.

The Thunder will receive shooting guard Victor Oladipo, forward Ersan Ilyasova and the rights to No. 11 overall pick Domantas Sabonis in the trade, per Wojnarowski.

This is a huge trade for both teams. Ibaka was considered a trade candidate this summer after the Thunder fell short in the postseason once again this year, while the Magic have been active over the past year in reshaping their roster to take meaningful steps toward contention. By landing Ibaka, Orlando immediately adds a true starting power forward who can play strong defense and take some pressure off center Nikola Vucevic. It'll also be interesting to see how this deal impacts former lottery pick Aaron Gordon, who seemed in line for a bigger role but plays the same position as his new teammate.

Last season, Ibaka averaged 12.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. He wasn’t close to the dominant shot-blocker who earned All-Defense First Team honors from 2012-14, but he remains an effective and versatile defender who should immediately help the Magic on that end of the floor.

For Oklahoma City, the trade of Ibaka is a sign that the team is ready to significantly shake things up after falling short of a championship once again. With the top priority being to re-sign Kevin Durant, the Thunder are hoping some change elsewhere on the roster will be the trick to get this team to another level.

Oladipo in particular is an intriguing addition to the Thunder. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2013 draft has developed into a solid perimeter defender and could be the steady backcourt mate that Russell Westbrook hasn't always had. In 72 games last season, the 6'4 guard averaged 16 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Meanwhile, Ilyasova could be a useful floor-spacer off the bench and Sabonis is a good flier on a talented prospect.

It’s the first monster deal of draft night, one that will have huge implications for both teams going forward.

* * *

Why Bulls fans should be excited about the Rose trade

See More:

More in NBA

NBA
The Spurs’ De’Aaron Fox problem only has 1 good solution, and it’s not trading himThe Spurs’ De’Aaron Fox problem only has 1 good solution, and it’s not trading him
NBA

Here’s what the Spurs should do with De’Aaron Fox.

By Mat Issa
NBA
NBA Draft’s 60 best players in 2026 class, rankedNBA Draft’s 60 best players in 2026 class, ranked
NBA

Let’s rank the 60 best players in the 2026 NBA Draft.

By Ricky O'Donnell
Men's College Basketball
Dallas Mavericks instant grade for Dusty May’s stunning hire as team’s next head coachDallas Mavericks instant grade for Dusty May’s stunning hire as team’s next head coach
Men's College Basketball

Let’s grade the Mavs’ decision to hire Dusty May away from Michigan.

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
Giannis trade rumors: 2 teams still in mix after Celtics include Jaylen Brown in offerGiannis trade rumors: 2 teams still in mix after Celtics include Jaylen Brown in offer
NBA

A Giannis trade is reportedly coming before the draft, and there’s two teams left.

By Ricky O'Donnell
NBA
We didn’t get to the Knicks parade, but this father already got a better celebrationWe didn’t get to the Knicks parade, but this father already got a better celebration
NBA

On the Knicks parade, fatherhood, sports fandom, and the war on attention spans

By Abe Beame
NBA
NBA mock draft 2026: Big changes to lottery on the brink of first-roundNBA mock draft 2026: Big changes to lottery on the brink of first-round
NBA

Here’s an updated NBA mock draft ahead of Tuesday’s first round.

By Ricky O'Donnell