As expected, the Pacers have waived veteran center Serge Ibaka. The team confirmed the transaction in a press release.
Ibaka was traded from Milwaukee to Indiana on deadline day, but he was only included for salary-matching purposes in the four-team trade that sent Jae Crowder to the Bucks (and, of course, Kevin Durant to the Suns). A Thursday report indicated that he would be released by the Pacers.
Ibaka, 33, hasn’t looked the same after having back surgery a couple of years ago. This season with the Bucks, he averaged a career-low 11.6 minutes per game in 16 appearances, putting up 4.1 points and 2.8 rebounds per game on .481/.333/.615 shooting in his limited role. He and the Bucks agreed last month that he’d remain away from the team as the two sides sought a trade.
Ibaka has a strong NBA track record, having been one of the league’s best shot blockers during his time in Oklahoma City and playing a key part on a championship team in Toronto in 2019. We should get a sense based on how much interest he draws in free agency whether teams still believe he has something left in the tank.
The big man will clear waivers on Monday, assuming he goes unclaimed.
The Pacers are reportedly expected to re-sign James Johnson to fill the roster spot that Ibaka’s release will open.
