NBA Trade Deadline: Rockets pushing for Serge Ibaka, Magic willing to deal forward

The Houston Rockets (38-17) are trying to acquire Serge Ibaka from the Orlando Magic (20-34) ahead of the Feb. 23 NBA Trade Deadline, per reports. The Magic are reportedly shopping the athletic power forward among other players as they look to reboot the roster ahead of next season.

Last summer, the Oklahoma City Thunder shipped Ibaka to Orlando as part of the Victor Oladipo trade. Since then, Oladipo, after signing a four-year contract extension with the western conference team, has emerged as a key component to Thunder's future. Ibaka, on the other hand, doesn't feature in Orlando's long-term plans and is expected to take his talents to a playoff team during this year's free agency period.

While the Rockets are still not ready to dethrone the likes of Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers, the addition of a steady shot-blocking presence such as Ibaka could shore up the team's defence and take them closer to the No. 2 seed out West.

NBA Trade Deadline: Rockets to form Capela-Ibaka frontcourt?

According to ESPN's Calvin Watkins, the Rockets have genuine interest in trading for Ibaka. "There is interest in Orlando power forward Serge Ibaka, who is apparently is on the trade block. Ibaka scored 28 points in 40 minutes in the Magic's loss at Houston on Tuesday night.

"Ibaka would bring a defensive presence and another shooter that could fit into Mike D'Antoni's offense. In late December when the Rockets lost starting centre Clint Capela to a fractured fibula, ESPN's Marc Stein reported Houston entertained acquiring Sacramento centre Kosta Koufos," Watkins wrote in his report Thursday.

If Rockets can acquire his Bird Rights, they can beat suitors in a bidding war for Ibaka while securing him as the team's long-term power forward. Analysts believe a starting frontcourt of Clint Capela and Serge Ibaka would help the team become an elite defensive team, especially with Patrick Beverly locking down guards on the perimeter.

Daryl Morey, general manager of the Houston Rockets, is very active this time of the year and expects to be wheeling and dealing come deadline day. "I think if we do anything, it will be for depth. I don't see any big things happening. We got a good thing, a good rotation, good chemistry. I'm pretty reluctant to make any changes there." Will Houston Rockets trade for Serge Ibaka? What will the Orlando Magic expect in return? Stay tuned for the latest news and updates ahead of the Feb. 23 NBA Trade Deadline.