Raptors re-sign Serge Ibaka on three-year $65 million deal

Serge Ibaka has re-signed with the Toronto Raptors. The new deal is for three-years at $65 million.

Serge Ibaka will be returning to Jurassic Park. Ibaka, a trade deadline acquisition, will no longer just be a one year rental for Toronto. Ibaka was acquired from the Magic at the deadline for Terrence Ross and a first-round pick. The new deal for Serge will average out to be over $21.5 million per season.

Adrian Wojnowski of ESPN first reported the news:

There were reports earlier in the week that the Raptors could decide to blow up the roster but that obviously is no longer the case. With Jimmy Butler and Paul George both heading from East to West, the conference is as weak as ever with Cleveland and Boston being the only top tier teams. Bringing the band back together made sense for Masai Ujiri and the Raptors.

Ibaka, 27, is set to earn a huge raise from his previous deal. Ibaka’s previous contract signed in 2013 was a four-year deal worth only $49 million. It’s safe to say Serge is happy with the raise. Ibaka was a huge presence for Toronto last season as he averaged 14.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game following the trade. Ibaka was also a great player in spacing the floor knocking down almost .40 percent of his attempts beyond the line.

Next: Will the Raptors pull together or come apart this offseason?

The Raptors will now steer their attention to point guard Kyle Lowry. If the Raptors want to stay contenders, they will need to re-sign Lowry back. Toronto did suffer one free agent blow this summer as impending free agent P.J. Tucker choose to sign with Houston over the Raptors. Toronto will look to continue to improve as they were swept in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs by the Cavs last season.