A Thunder reunion might just take place in Houston. Rumors are abuzz that Orlando Magic's Serge Ibaka is headed for the Rockets before the trade deadline in February.
The Rockets are currently in the market for a big man to fill the gaping hole that Dwight Howard left when he packed his bags for Atlanta. Though Ibaka functions more as a power forward, he has shown that he's capable of sliding into the role of center, if his season averages are to be judged. As per Basketball Reference, Ibaka is notching 14.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in 27 games played for Orlando.
Two names from the Houston Rockets are being tossed around as possible trade options for Ibaka: shooting guards Eric Gordon or Trevor Ariza. This would be beneficial for the Magic as the team is looking to add more scoring options in the roster, according to the Orlando Sentinel. At present, the Magic ranks at a dismal 29th spot in points scored per possession.
When this trade materializes, it would mean a reunion for Ibaka and Rockets' star point guard James Harden. The two played for the Oklahoma City Thunder for three years, starting from '09 all the way to the 2011 season.
Harden left in 2012 after negotiations for his contract extension with the Thunder fell through, and subsequently agreed to a five-year, $80-million contract with Houston. Ibaka went on to play for four more years with the Thunder before getting traded to Orlando in exchange for Victor Oladipo, Ersan İlyasova, and the draft rights to Domantas Sabonis, the 11th pick of the 2016 NBA draft.
This is not the first time that Ibaka has been the centerpiece of trade rumors as of late. Jobs & Hire has reported earlier in November that a trade between Ibaka and Golden State Warriors' Klay Thompson may just occur in the not-so-distant future. If this happens, a Thunder reunion might occur, only this time, it will take place in Oakland, with Kevin Durant welcoming his former teammate to the Dubs.
