Home

NBA

“He’s Tired of Giannis Roasting Him”: Bucks Take Huge Decision on 14-Year NBA Veteran, Fans Knock on Stephen Curry’s Door

Published 01/20/2023, 4:10 PM EST

Follow Us

USA Today via Reuters

The trade deadline is coming closer by the day. Teams are making the necessary space to add much-needed talent. Likewise, the Milwaukee Bucks are in midst of taking a huge decision. Notably, their 14-season NBA veteran Serge Ibaka and the franchise have agreed to go in separate directions. Moreover, there is a buzz around him potentially joining Stephen Curry.

Ibaka joined the Bucks last season during the trade deadline from the Los Angeles Clippers. After showing impactful signs as a backup big in the absence of Brook Lopez, he earned a one-year extension with the 2021 champions. However, the hopes of him settling with Mike Budenholzer’s rotations haven’t gone to plan. The three-time All-Defensive center has played in just 16 of the 45 games this season.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

In addition, the 2019 NBA champion has been away for “personal reasons”. After his absence, it seems the Bucks and Ibaka are parting ways according to Shams Charania.

Will Serge Ibaka join Stephen Curry and the Warriors?

Before the season, the 14-season veteran set high expectations for his stint with the Deer District. However, the time has said otherwise. The 33-year-old center has failed to fit into the Bucks’ 3 big man rotation. Notably, Lopez and Bobby Portis share a similar dynamic for the position. With his role, Ibaka can arguably not replicate what Giannis Antetokounmpo does for the Bucks. Likewise, recent reports suggest Milwaukee will be finding a new home for the center.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Reacting to the news, NBA Twitter had several opinions. Some felt Antetokounmpo’s diss on Ibaka’s show is the reason. On the other hand, some are linking the big man to the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Stephen Curry and the Warriors have struggled at the five this season. Notably, both their backups are currently injured. With plans of maybe moving JaMychal Green, Ibaka’s defensive presence might help the defending champions. On the other hand, Milwaukee has been in talks with the Suns inquiring about Jae Crowder. His tense situation continues to be alive. Likewise, a swap could help Antetokounmpo and Co. With Khris Middleton in and out of action, a 3 and-D kind of star might add a much-needed dimension to their roster.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Watch This Story – Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Zion Williamson: Injury Details, Return Dates

Where do you think will Ibaka go next? Let us know your views in the comments below.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Anuj Talwalkar

2,372Articles

One take at a time

Anuj Talwalkar is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He is a student studying at NM College in Mumbai, aspiring to pursue sports management to follow his love for sports. Anuj started following the NBA last year, and he loves to combine his passion for writing with his understanding of basketball.
Show More>