In a trade that sent Terrence Ross and a first-round pick to the Magic, the Raptors on Tuesday acquired Serge Ibaka, who is as much a symbol as a power forward.
With Kevin Love undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee that is scheduled to sideline the Cavaliers power forward for six weeks, the Raptors went all in for an Eastern Conference that suddenly seems a bit more vulnerable.
Will other conference contenders follow suit?
The only one that matters to the Bulls is the Celtics, whom many league executives believe at least will re-kindle talks from last June regarding Jimmy Butler to see his cost. Obviously, with Butler’s ascension to a likely All-NBA selection as one of the game’s top-15 players, that price will be extremely high, higher than last June.
As of now, league sources insist the Celtics won’t part with this June’s first-round pick they own from the Nets, which could be the No. 1 overall selection in a strong draft. The Celtics also own the Nets’ 2018 first-round pick.
Whether the Celtics’ stance changes between now and the Feb. 23 trade deadline is unknown. So is whether the Bulls would even pull the trigger on a Butler trade even if the Celtics changed their stance on those picks.
Last June, the Bulls didn’t come to an organizational consensus on a full rebuild, although the Tribune reported at the time that at least one of the four principal decision-makers — Jerry Reinsdorf, his son Michael, John Paxson and Gar Forman — advocated that path.
Injury report: Dwyane Wade missed his second straight game with his right wrist contusion, although his MRI exam showed no structural damage. He hasn’t been ruled out for Thursday’s finale against the Celtics before the All-Star break.
Paul Zipser has been. The rookie forward is in a walking boot to protect his left ankle tendinitis.
Nikola Mirotic, who sat for the second straight game with back spasms, also could be done until after the break. He has yet to be able to assume a defensive stance, according to coach Fred Hoiberg.
Forward thinking: The Raptors tried to acquire Ibaka last June, but Oklahoma City’s asking price proved too rich and the Thunder moved him to the Magic.
"Any time you can add a talent who has playoff experience, Finals experience, and a two-way player like Ibaka, it’s a boost," Raptors coach Dwane Casey said.
The Raptors’ continued interest in Ibaka rendered rumors that they would pursue Taj Gibson overstated, one league source said. Like Ibaka, Gibson is an unrestricted free agent this summer.
History lesson: Tuesday marked the 27th anniversary of Michael Jordan wearing No. 12 because his No. 23 jersey allegedly was stolen. He scored 49 points in an overtime loss at Orlando.
Our editors found this article on this site using Google and regenerated it for our readers.
