Clippers make Serge Ibaka’s trade in a four-team deal with Rodney Hood and Semi Ojeyele
DALLAS — According to someone with knowledge of the terms, the Clippers will trade center Serge Ibaka to Milwaukee. He is a former major free agency signing who was plagued by injury.
According to a source, although the Clippers will not be receiving any draft picks from the trade, it creates a $9.7 million traded-player contract exception, equivalent to Ibaka’s current salary, and streamlines the team’s center rotation.
Speaking at Thursday’s team shootaround, Coach Tyronn Lou said that he was looking forward to playing smaller teams more often. However, he couldn’t discuss the trade because it wasn’t yet official.
Ojeleye, 6’6″, was drafted by Boston in the second round of 2017. He is a 34% three point shooter over his career with an average of 2.9 points, 2 rebounds, and 26% from deep this season. The 6-8 Hood was playing his first season in Milwaukee. He had made 35% of his three-pointers, 30% of his field shots, and 35% of his field shots while sitting at 14.9 minutes per game. However, the trade occurred three hours before the noon PST trade deadline. The Clippers (27-29), are unlikely to complete the trade. Their current roster has 15 players. The roster is dominated by wings and lacks primary ballhandlers. However, President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank stated last week that he does not consider a traditional point guard a necessity, if a player at a different position has similar skills.
The trade includes Trey Lyles, Josh Jackson, and Donte DiVincenzo to the Kings. Marvin Bagley Jr. will be the Pistons’. ESPN reports that the Bucks will receive Ibaka, second round picks, and cash.
