Does this change the guard on top of the Eastern Conference?
Toronto and Orlando have finalized a trade that sends Serge Ibaka to the Raptors for Terrence Ross and a 2017 first-round pick.
Orlando general manager Rob Hennigan said Tuesday evening the trade of Ibaka for Ross was necessary the Magic in hopes of salvaging a season that has gone drastically off course.
WKTY Poll: Does the #Ibaka trade to the #Raptors and the #Cavs‘ #KevinLove going down for 6 weeks change the top of the Eastern Conference?
— 580 WKTY (@wkty) February 14, 2017
Ibaka averaged 15.1 points and 6.8 rebounds for the Magic this season. He will be a free agent this summer. Ross is in the first year of a three-year, $31 million contract.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers all-star forward Kevin Love will be out at least six weeks following knee surgery.
The 28-year-old had the operation on his left knee Tuesday in New York. The Cavs said he will be sidelined approximately six weeks, which would have him returning by April 1. The playoffs start later that month.
Love, averaging 20 points and 11.1 rebounds, complained of soreness and had swelling in his knee following Saturday’s win over Denver. Love is
Love’s absence will put further stress on Cleveland’s depth and could force general manager David Griffin to make a major move before the Feb. 23 trading deadline.