In an interesting turn of events, the day after the New York Knicks announced that Mitchell Robinson had undergone surgery to repair his fractured right thumb, it was reported that an Eastern Conference big man is on the market.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported (subscription required) that the Bucks and three-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection Serge Ibaka have “mutually agreed” to seek a trade as he remains away from the team. Ibaka last played on Jan. 1 where he had four points, two rebounds, two steals, and one block in 16 minutes. The 33-year-old has been away from the team for the past couple of weeks due to “personal reasons.”
Ibaka has the power to veto any trade, but based on Charania’s report, it’s evident that both he and the Bucks are ready to move on from one another.
With Robinson being out for a few weeks at the least, will New York be Ibaka’s landing spot?
The Milwaukee Bucks and center Serge Ibaka have mutually agreed to find the 14-year NBA veteran a new home via trade as he remains away from the team, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 20, 2023
With Mitchell Robinson out, Knicks have chance to trade for Bucks’ Serge Ibaka
On Thursday night, SNY’s Ian Begley mentioned Serge Ibaka as a potential replacement for Mitchell Robinson while he’s out.
I don’t see Knicks in any position to tank in wake of Mitchell Robinson injury; Serge Ibaka among group of vet bigs they could turn to for depth during Robinson’s absence: pic.twitter.com/FObzJVOggK
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 20, 2023
Ibaka signed a one-year, $2.9 million veteran’s minimum deal with the Bucks in the offseason and will be a free agent again in the summer. The 14-year veteran wouldn’t be a long-term piece for New York, but instead, added bench depth as the Knicks navigate the next few weeks without their defensive anchor in Robinson.
Ibaka was a key part of the Raptors’ 2018-19 championship season as he averaged 15 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 74 games while shooting 52.9% from the floor. Since then, he’s spent time in LA with the Clippers and in Milwaukee. Although he’s no longer the player that he once was, Ibaka could help to keep New York afloat in playoff/play-in range until Robinson returns.
He’s been linked to the Knicks in the past, but similar to the reason why the Bucks traded for him ahead of last year’s deadline with Brook Lopez out, New York could do the same with Mitchell Robinson sidelined.
3 things Knicks must do after brutal Mitchell Robinson injury news
Mitchell Robinson underwent surgery to repair his fractured thumb and he'll be re-evaluated in 3 weeks. Here's what the Knicks must do in his absence.