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Washington Wizards NBA Trade Deadline 2017: Serge Ibaka Trade Makes Wizards More Likely To Improve Roster

By Ben Mehic

Nov 25, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) looks to pass as Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards at Amway Center. The Wizards won 94-91. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) looks to pass as Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards at Amway Center. The Wizards won 94-91. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Wizards are more likely to improve their roster before the NBA Trade Deadline after the Toronto Raptors acquired Serge Ibaka.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Toronto Raptors bolstered their weak frontcourt by acquiring Serge Ibaka from the Orlando Magic for Terrence Ross and a first round pick.

Ibaka, known for his interior defense and ability to knock down shots from the perimeter, fills a void that Toronto had since the beginning of the 2016-17 NBA season.

Currently, the Raptors are fifth in the Eastern Conference, just a game behind the third seeded Washington Wizards.

The race to finish with homecourt advantage has been tight and the difference between seeds could be a single game.

With the trade deadline approaching, teams fighting for positioning, like the Raptors, will look to address needs.

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Roster-wise, the Raptors seem to have gotten an edge over the Washington Wizards, whose bench is last in scoring and field goal percentage.

Washington’s starters have been atop the league in minutes played, causing some concern before the start of the NBA Playoffs.

Toronto, on paper, made a move that could potentially propel them past the Wizards in the near future.

In order to keep up with the Raptors, the Boston Celtics and even the Atlanta Hawks, the Wizards will likely consider patching up their holes, just as they have in the past.

Ernie Grunfeld has been known to correct his mistakes.

When the Wizards needed a starting caliber center, Grunfeld acquired Marcin Gortat from the Phoenix Suns. He also added a stretch four this past season by trading for Markieff Morris.

Before the deadline, Grunfeld will likely pursue a player who could provide a scoring spark off the team’s bench.

The Ibaka trade, according to Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype, would give the Washington Wizards motivation to complete a trade.

"Several executives say that Tuesday’s events – Kevin Love’s surgery and Serge Ibaka being traded to Toronto – make a Wizards’ trade even more likely.A reactionary move wouldn’t be a surprise if the Wizards suddenly see a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals or, better yet, the Finals as realistic."

John Wall, averaging a career-high 23 points and 10 assists, is on pace to become an All-NBA Player. Bradley Beal and Otto Porter will also be candidates to replace Kevin Love in the All-Star game.

Washington’s time to compete for a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals is now. The Raptors have seen the opening, given the injury to Love and the parity in the conference. The Ibaka trade, at least on paper, will help the Raptors gain an advantage over their competitors, specifically the Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks.

Next: Wizards Trade Deadline Prediction

For the Wizards to compete in the NBA Playoffs, their roster will have to match up well in terms of talent. Toronto made a move on Tuesday with hopes of gaining an edge. Soon, the Wizards could respond with a trade of their own.

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