Serge Ibaka has confirmed that he's leaving the Toronto Raptors in free agency.
Following the report that he has agreed to a two-year, $19.0 million deal with the LA Clippers, Ibaka posted a message on Instagram in which he thanked the Raptors organization, the franchise's fans and Canada as a whole for the last three years.
"I want to thank Larry Tanenbaum and MLSE and the whole Toronto Raptors organization," Ibaka wrote. "It is really a great organization that takes care of its players and I'm thankful that I became an NBA Champion with them. I've had great teammates, front office and staff next to me. And of course, a fan base that is second to none.
"So thank you Toronto. Thank you, Canada. And thank you Raptors. I am one of yours forever. #wethenorth"
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The Raptors acquired Ibaka from the Orlando Magic during the 2016-17 season. He became a key part of the team's championship run in 2019 and had one of the best seasons of his career in 2019-20, averaging a career-best 15.4 points per game. It set him up to be one of the best players available in this free agent class.
In Los Angeles, Ibaka will reunite with Kawhi Leonard. The two were teammates on the Raptors in 2018-19.
Ibaka has the potential to be a big-time contributor to a Clippers team that is expected to compete for the championship this upcoming season.
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