In Sam We Trust (The Serge Ibaka Trade Breakdown)

Sam Presti proved Thursday night why he is the best general manager in the game.

Sam Presti has done it again.

"Oklahoma City has traded Serge Ibaka to the Orlando Magic for Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilysasova, and Domantas Sabonis"

This trade is a robbery for Oklahoma City.

Seriously, go arrest Sam Presti right now, because he just broke the law.

For what seems like the billionth time, Presti has completed a trade making the Thunder roster both deeper and younger. Sam pulled off improving the roster without sacrificing financial flexibility.

So what does this mean for the organization and their free agents?

Well, this is creates an even more enticing roster for Kevin Durant to return to. With Ilyasova, OKC has a true stretch four with good quality veteran leadership, something crucial for the development of the young Thunder roster.

Ilyasova may not have the upside that Ibaka had, but he has the potential to be a devastating catch and shoot big next year. During the 2012-2014 seasons, Ilyasova shot 45 and 44 percent respectively. As the Bucks’ roster quality declined, so did Ersan’s shooting percentage. Ersan has the potential to get at least four open three pointers a game next season. Expect to see Ilyasova shoot 38% or better in 2016-2017.  

Oladipo, or better known as “Dipo”, was the 2nd overall pick from the 2013 draft and honestly, this picture was too perfect to not put in the piece.

Dipo came into the league as a potential two-way star with explosive athleticism. In his three seasons in Orlando, he has become a great two-way player that is on the cusp of stardom. After a strong 2014-2015 season from Dipo, the Magic brought in Scott Skiles as the new head coach. Skiles went back and forth starting Dipo and bringing him off the bench as the sixth man. This led to a production drop from Victor in the per game stats, but the advanced analytics showed great growth from Dipo. 

Even though he faced sporadic minute assignments, Oladipo had the highest Total Win Shares, the highest PER and Value Over Replacement in his career; all while lowering his Usage and Turnover percentages. His continued rise in True Shooting Percentage is another sign that an offensive breakthrough may be just around the corner, as he inches closer to 55%. If you aren’t sold on Dipo yet, just enjoy this impersonation of Dipo’s new back court mate.

This leaves us at my man, Domantas Sabonis, the son of Portland Trail Blazers legend, Arvydas Sabonis. At 6-11 230, Sabonis is an excellent rebounder and has the potential to be a fierce offensive presence from both the perimeter and in the post. In his Sophomore year at Gonzaga, Domantas averaged 17.6 points and 11.8 rebounds per game in 32 minutes. What is even more impressive than that is that he shot above 60% from the field both years while in the NCAA; he even shot 5 of 14 from deep in his second year. Domantas is young, only 20 years old, and with top-level potential, something the Thunder love to have on their roster.

Oh yeah, here’s Domantas Sabonis destroying the 9th overall pick Jakob Poeltl in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

By bringing in Sabonis and Oladipo, the Thunder have serious roster decisions to make. With the acquisition of Oladipo, it makes Dion Waiters expendable. I’m sorry Dion, I will forever inhabit Waiters Island. Dipo is what Billy turned Dion into, just naturally better. Presti now has no reason to over pay on Waiters, something he may have been prepared to do without Oladipo. Meanwhile, Sabonis is a ready to play rookie, with skills that translate well to the NBA. He is light years ahead of McGary as a prospect, and he is a whole four years younger. With this in mind, a McGary trade may be right around the corner. Presti could look to get a quality back up small forward by packaging McGary, Morrow, and a 2nd Rounder. A sign and trade with Portland for Maurice Harkless or like recent reports suggest, a Lance Thomas reunion could come to fruition for OKC.

So as a Thunder fan should I be happy about this trade?

Yes. Yes. Yes.

I repeat.

YES!

Even thought the Thunder are departing with beloved Serge Ibaka, OKC has never been in a greater spot to resign Durant while maintaining their young core.

This trade is a classic Presti trade, and so far, a classic Presti trade results in a better Thunder team.

How Will Billy Use These Players?