Toronto Raptors power forward Serge Ibaka just got real when asked about what his future in Toronto currently looks like. The 31-year old is one of the biggest names in the free agent market as he enters the 2020 offseason as an UFA after four years with the Raptors.
On Thursday, Ibaka took over luxury jewel brand Tiffany & Co.'s Instagram page as he showcased his recently discovered talent in the kitchen. When it was Q&A time, a fan asked Ibaka if he was planning on staying with the Raptors and his answer was as honest as it gets.
“As you know, the free agency starts tomorrow. Right now, things aren't on my hands.” Ibaka said. “One thing's for sure and I want you to know is that I love Toronto and I love Raptors fans and I love Canada. Because they've always shown me love and respect. To me, that's the most important. I know this is a business, but some things are never going to change in my heart.”
https://t.co/gnjNamrB0u pic.twitter.com/gX4M6dmp6y
— ✌️🫶🎄 (@IAmARaptorsFan) November 19, 2020
After Ibaka's raw response, fans are split on whether or not they think the 6'10” power forward was hinting that he was planning to stay or not.
Though most Raptors fans would want their big guy to stay and help Toronto try and get more hardware, everyone knows that the NBA is indeed a business, like what Ibaka said, and that keeping him might be a bit too costly for the Raptors right now.
Ibaka is coming off his three-year $65 million contract with the Raptors and obviously, the Congo native would want to sign something close to an $18-20 million contract coming into his 12-year in the league. Aside from Ibaka's contract, the Raptors would also have to decide on what they'd want to do with other pieces.
Marc Gasol and Fred VanVleet are both free agents who aren't set on leaving or staying just yet.
Follow Us
Subscribe