LA Clippers: 3 reasons why Serge Ibaka may opt out and leave team

By Evan Desai | Jul 15, 2021

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 04: Serge Ibaka #9 of the LA Clippers stretches before the game against the Toronto Raptors at Staples Center on May 04, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /

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Serge Ibaka, LA Clippers. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /

No. 2 reason why Serge Ibaka may opt out and leave the LA Clippers: A potentially higher salary

The LA Clippers will pay Serge Ibaka $9,720,900 next year if he opts into his contract.

That sounds pretty fair to me, but I do see a scenario where somebody could overpay for the injured center, and Ibaka may be attracted to that money.

Teams overpay for free agents all the time, and Ibaka’s a rare breed nowadays. In these times, true centers are tough to find.

Ibaka can provide that type of presence for a team, while also being a guy who can stretch the floor and shoot.

If he’s healthy, he can provide a lot of value for a lot of teams in this league due to his unique and well-rounded skillset.

He still plays elite defense, blocking over a shot per game despite only playing in 23.3 minutes per contest this year.

Other teams are going to pursue Ibaka hard if they have the chance, and may present him with an offer he won’t want to turn down.