3 former Raptors who could return to Toronto in 2022 free agency

1. Serge Ibaka, C, Milwaukee Bucks

Ibaka hasn’t ruled out a return to the Raptors, and the lack of center depth off the bench had created a Serge-sized hole on the roster. Ibaka’s numbers are nowhere near as gaudy as what we saw during his Toronto or Oklahoma City stints, but he can still be a very effective player at this stage.

Ibaka averaged 6.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in limited playing time with the Clippers and Bucks. Even in this less effective state, Ibaka (who will turn 33 before the season starts) should be considered valuable as a stretch big and dunked spot finisher.

Could Serge Ibaka return to the Toronto Raptors?

Khem Birch was just a mess last season. He lacked the defensive sketch ability to thrive under Nick Nurse while going cold for long stretches in critical moments. Even if Birch is not offloaded in the early stages of the offseason, an upgrade like Ibaka is needed in the worst way.

Ibaka is not going to be a game-changer like he was during his prime, but Toronto could certainly do worse when it comes to bringing in a veteran to get some pop off of the bench. Ibaka might be a somewhat realistic one-year deal candidate that doesn’t break the bank.