Serge Ibaka's tenure with the Orlando Magic did not last an entire season. Mere months after acquiring the impending free agent from the Oklahoma City Thunder for Victor Oladipo, among others, Orlando has dealt Ibaka to the Toronto Raptors for Terrence Ross and a 2017 first-round pick.
This move was made for one simply reason. Orlando simply didn't think it would be able to re-sign Ibaka on the free-agent market this upcoming season. It also forced the team to trade him for pennies on the dollar.
From a Raptors' perspective, the addition of Ibaka strengthens their chances in the Eastern Conference heading into the All-Star Break. Ibaka will immediately slot in as the team's starting power forward, adding toughness inside. We should also see an uptick in fantasy production from Ibaka with DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry providing threats from the perimeter.
Ibaka is averaging 15.1 points and 6.8 rebounds on the season. Look for him to average closer to double-digit boards with defenses having to account for Toronto's ability out on the wing.
As it relates to Jones, he figures to back up Evan Fournier at the three in a revamped Magic lineup that will now likely include Aaron Gordon moving to the four.