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Kevin Durant’s brother says Serge Ibaka is signing with Nets

By Thomas Carannante

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 22: Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors reacts after scoring a basket during second half their NBA game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena on January 22, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 22: Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors reacts after scoring a basket during second half their NBA game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena on January 22, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /
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Free agency rumors indicate the Nets might land Serge Ibaka.

Let the wild and unsubstantiated NBA rumors commence! We’ve reached 6 p.m. EST on Friday, which is signaled the start of free agency, and while many were expecting the Brooklyn Nets to make a significant move at the very first second, that hasn’t been the case.

Brooklyn made a big roster move on draft night when the acquired Landry Shamet from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for the No. 19 overall pick, so now they’ll be playing the waiting game with Joe Harris and a number of other potential veterans who could sign on despite the team’s budgetary restrictions.

For weeks now, one of those guys has been rumored to be Toronto Raptors free agent Serge Ibaka. However, even though he’s good friends with Kevin Durant, Ibaka would need to take an unthinkable discount due to the Nets’ cap situation. The move seems unlikely.

But if Durant’s brother can be viewed as a reliable source, that’s not the case!

KD’s brother, Tony, commented on an Instagram post talking about Ibaka’s free agency. The caption read, “Where’s Serge headed to?” based on the big man’s post on social media. Tony responded, “Brooklyn.”

Woah! We don’t know the exact dollar figure Ibaka would have to surrender in order to join the star-studded Nets and immediately compete for a title, but with KD, Kyrie Irving, Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris LeVert, Taurean Price and DeAndre Jordan all making $10 million or more (or WAY more), it’s not going to be friendly for the veteran.

And according to actual NBA insiders, the Raptors still remain a top suitor, which puts almost every other team at a disadvantage.

Ibaka, 31, was a key figure in the Raptors’ title run two seasons ago, and his 7-foot, 235-pound frame would be a colossal difference-maker for the Nets down low, but this is his final chance to secure a lucrative contract. It’s hard to imagine him foregoing that just for a better shot at winning another title.

Then again, who knows. He’s already made nearly $100 million for his career. Perhaps taking a pay cut in exchange for exposure in the big city could open up other opportunities for him.

But if we’re being honest, don’t get too attached to this idea.

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