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

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)
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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LA Clippers, Serge Ibaka
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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

No. 1 reason why Serge Ibaka may opt out and leave the LA Clippers: Lack of other options for other teams

Part of the reason the LA Clippers need to bring back Serge Ibaka is due to the lackluster market that there is for centers this offseason.

That same fact, however, makes Ibaka more valuable for other teams as well.

There are very few quality centers available through free agency this offseason, and so there will be lots of interest in Ibaka if he chooses to turn down his option.

While many probably would say he doesn’t deserve any more than the $9,720,900 he’d get by opting in, everything depends on the market that he’s walking into.

Ibaka can still rebound, and he can still play lockdown defense. His defensive pedigree is so strong, and didn’t tail off in the playoffs at all. Averaging two blocked shots per game, he averages two blocked shots per playoff contest as well in his career.

Someone who still is that kind of force on defense while also being able to shoot 35.9% from three has the chance to be a hot commodity this offseason.

I do think Ibaka will be back, but there are valid reasons as to why he may opt out and leave the Clippers.