Serge Ibaka

On June 26, 2008, Serge Ibaka was selected as the 24th overall pick in the first round of the NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, who later became the Oklahoma City Thunder. Ibaka's selection marked him as the first player from the Republic of the Congo to be drafted into the NBA. His athleticism and defensive prowess were major factors in his high draft selection, which set the stage for his successful NBA career.

On August 18, 2012, Serge Ibaka signed a four-year contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder worth $48 million. This contract was a clear indication of the Thunder's commitment to keeping their core of young and talented players, including Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Ibaka had established himself as a defensive powerhouse and a key player for the Thunder, which led to this lucrative extension.

On June 23, 2016, Serge Ibaka was traded to the Orlando Magic from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova, and the rights to Domantas Sabonis. This was a significant trade, as Ibaka had been a major part of the Thunder's success. The move was part of a strategy by the Thunder to manage salary cap and build for the future, while the Magic hoped to strengthen their frontcourt with Ibaka.

On June 13, 2019, Serge Ibaka and the Toronto Raptors won their first NBA Championship by defeating the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. Ibaka played a crucial role throughout the playoffs with his defensive efforts and timely scoring. This victory marked a historical moment for the Raptors franchise and showcased Ibaka's contributions to the team's success on the biggest stage.

On November 25, 2020, Serge Ibaka signed a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. The signing reunited him with former teammate Kawhi Leonard, as they both had played a key role in the Toronto Raptors' 2019 championship run. Ibaka's arrival was seen as bolstering the Clippers' frontcourt capabilities, bringing his experience and defensive abilities to a team aiming for their own championship aspirations.

On March 1, 2021, Serge Ibaka underwent back surgery, leading to him being sidelined during his time with the Los Angeles Clippers. This was a significant setback for both Ibaka and the team, as his presence in the lineup was crucial for their defensive plans. The surgery aimed to resolve lingering issues and allow Ibaka to return to full health and effectiveness on the court in future seasons.

On February 10, 2022, Serge Ibaka was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in a four-team deal involving the Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, and Detroit Pistons. The trade was part of the Bucks' strategy to improve their defensive depth and add veteran leadership as they looked to make a strong push in the latter part of the season and defend their NBA Championship.

On March 7, 2023, the Milwaukee Bucks released Serge Ibaka, bringing an end to his tenure with the team. Ibaka's time with the Bucks included various challenges, including limited playing time and adjustments due to team dynamics. His release allowed the Bucks to make roster adjustments as they prepared for the upcoming playoff season, while Ibaka sought new opportunities for the next stage of his career.