Utah Jazz: Four Possible Solutions to Improve Frontcourt

Trade for Serge Ibaka

Of course all these solutions are hypothetical and any of them like this one involving a trade would depend on several factors such as the other team’s willingness to make a move, but there’s almost no question that the Orlando Magic are looking to make a change and Serge Ibaka’s name has come up several times.

Ibaka was once considered one of the premier power forwards in the league in his time in Oklahoma City and while his prominence has stumbled somewhat, he’s still quite the force to be reckoned with. He can score, shoot the three and is an excellent rim protector.

Just imagine what a duo it would be to have the Stifle Tower and Serge “I-Block-a” roaming in the paint for the Jazz on defense. And while Favors at his best could very well be considered comparable to Ibaka, there’s no doubting that the Magic forward has been the better player this season.

He would also bring an edge to the Jazz that is sorely missing at times and would be a more commanding presence down low while also being able to stretch the floor. While the Magic don’t necessarily have much of a need to bring in more big men, perhaps the right combination with a wing player, such as the Burks-Favors or Hood-Favors pair I mentioned in the Millsap trade, could woo them.

However, if I was hesitant to give up two players of that caliber for Millsap, I’d be even more so to do the same for Ibaka. Orlando seems pretty set on moving him, so if Dennis Lindsey and the Jazz could work some magic (no pun intended) and get him without losing quite so much, this would certainly be a move that would significantly bolster the frontcourt for the time being.

The other issue, though, lies in Ibaka himself. He’s known for having a strong and sometimes clashing personality, so it might be risky to add him to a Jazz team that has had next to no chemistry issues since the departure of Enes Kanter.

But once again, he is talented enough of a player and clearly on the trade block, so the Jazz shouldn’t miss out on an opportunity to at least see if anything could come of a potential deal for the eighth-year pro.