Serge Ibaka reportedly set to re-sign with the Toronto Raptors

Serge Ibaka will reportedly re-sign with the Raptors which, if true, could essentially mean the end of Jonas Valanciunas’ tenure in Toronto.

Serge Ibaka is certainly a player the Toronto Raptors would like to bring back next season. If a recent report is anything to go by, it appears the team — and the fans — will get their wish.

According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, a new contract with Ibaka has essentially been agreed. Citing league sources, Kyler goes on to write that the deal will start in the $20 million range.

Now, it should be noted Raptors’ president Masai Ujiri is notorious for keeping his cards close to his chest. As such, it is wise to be weary of any speculation at this stage.

However, for what it’s worth, Ujiri is known for having a good relationship with Ibaka, who made it clear Toronto was the only place he wanted to go to, prior to the trade deadline. Working on the assumption there is any truth to this report, it will likely start a chain reaction of events within the Raptors’ organization.

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While $20 million sounds reasonable for the three-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection, it will still have a significant impact on the Raptors’ salary cap. Apart from the fact they were already among the top payrolls in 2016-17, the cap for next season is expected to stay around $103 million.

Given Urjir’s intention to re-sign Kyle Lowry, this also presents a major issue. A max deal for the three-time All-Star point guard would be for five years and $201 million.

Now, Lowry could take the same approach as DeMar DeRozan, and accept less than a max deal. Regardless, his contract would still count for a hefty amount against next season’s salary cap.

According to hoopshype.com, the Raptors already have $77.3 million committed to the payroll, even before re-signing Ibaka and Lowry. And let’s not forget P.J. Tucker, who has indicated he would like to return to Toronto next season.

In theory, going into Luxury Tax territory holds no fear for the Raptors, who can definitely afford it. However, they will still have to save money somewhere, as even the Luxury Tax only allows them to go up to around $121 million.

The assumption is that Patrick Patterson won’t be back. (His salary was just over $6 million this season.) However, this isn’t enough.

As such, it is reasonable to expect the Raptors to attempt to move DeMarre Carroll and/or Jonas Valanciunas. With respective salaries of $14.8 million and $15.6 million for next season, this makes sense, purely from a financial standpoint.

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Of the two, it would be easier to see Carroll go. Fair or not, he has under-performed since coming to Toronto.

Valanciunas is a different case, and not just because he’s a fan favourite. There is an argument to be made that he has so much more to give, with Dwane Casey never working out how to use the centre effectively and fulfill his potential.

In the interest of objectivity, that actually might be the reason the Raptors do trade Valanciunas, especially with Casey coming back next season. Further, if Ibaka is coming back, the chances are he will start at the centre position.

Overall, again assuming the report is true, you can understand why the Raptors are prepared to commit to Ibaka. While it was only a small sample size of 23 games, he ranked second on the team in rebounds and blocks, while also finishing third is scoring average.

There is some concern about the 27-year old’s better days being behind him, along with his knees holding up long-term. However, these are factors that will have already been taken into consideration, with a four-year deal likely being the most reasonable outcome for both the player and the team.

Next: Dwane Casey will return next season

Working on the assumption this report turns out to be true, what’s your take? Are you happy to see Ibaka come back for $20 million per season? Further, would you be fine if this means the end or Valanciunas’ time in Toronto? Share your thoughts in the comments section.