NBA trade rumors: Serge Ibaka is likeliest candidate to be traded by the Magic

It’s not just that the Orlando Magic are on a four-game losing streak, it’s that they’ve lost the games by a combined 84 points. Nothing is going right for the Magic right now, and that’s why there’s a very good chance they make moves at the trade deadline.

Serge Ibaka is the most likely candidate right now, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein. Orlando only just acquired the big man this offseason, but he’s a veteran piece that’s playing well on a team that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere particularly fast.

Of course, the package that Orlando will be seeking in return for Ibaka is awfully similar to the trade they made to bring him to the team — either a young player under 25, or a first-round pick. To snag Ibaka from Oklahoma City, Orlando had to give up Victor Oladipo and their first-round selection, Domantas Sabonis.

Nothing is in the works immediately, but Stein reports the Magic may hold out during the 10 days leading up to the trade deadline and then pick the best possible offer. Miami and Toronto are reportedly two teams that have expressed interest. For now, Stein writes, “stay tuned.”

The Magic have been all over the place this season, somehow winning 20 games without really inspiring anyone with confidence about their team. Certainly, their 20-36 record isn’t taking them anywhere quick, and while the team has young players, it’s not clear how many of them are worth building with for the future.

As much as Orlando hoped for a quick rebuild, it’s not happening (like most attempted quick rebuilds that skip a few crucial steps in the middle). Although Ibaka clearly isn’t at his athletic peak anymore despite only being 27 years old, he has adapted his offensive game and is having a career scoring year for the Magic — 15.1 points on 48 percent shooting and 38 percent shooting on threes with nearly four attempts per game.

There’s probably a team out there who is interested in the player Ibaka is right now, even if he’s not the Ibaka that Oklahoma City thought he might become. He’s a skilled veteran, and if Orlando can get anything back for that to recoup their trade losses, that’s a good move for them.

Trading Ibaka also frees up room for Aaron Gordon to play power forward again. If Gordon can stick as a real NBA player, it seems increasingly likely that he’ll need to be playing the four. (It also seemed likely last summer when the Magic acquired three other veteran frontcourt players, but hey, baby steps.)

First, of course, it matters what Orlando can get back. A future first-round pick from, say, Toronto in exchange for Ibaka probably isn’t worth it unless the Magic are just desperate.

But if Orlando can get a good deal, there shouldn’t be anything stopping them from pulling the trigger. Ibaka’s ceiling doesn’t seem to be any higher than the way he’s playing right now, so it’s not like Orlando is losing out on a star. Rebuilding teams need veterans to help their younger players, but veterans with trade value like Ibaka are best dealt to help the team’s future.

The only real negative is the front office having to admit they were wrong about a move they made only months ago. But that’s the worst attitude Orlando could have, and if the reports are correct, it doesn’t seem like that will be a problem.