Serge Ibaka has decided to commit to Real Madrid after long considerations about his future, sources tell BasketNews. Ibaka is set to start a back-to-back season in Europe after 16 years in the NBA.
A 14-year NBA veteran, Serge Ibaka, is expected to join Real Madrid, sources tell BasketNews.
The 34-year-old center has officially left Bayern Munich, bidding farewell to the club in a social media message.
"In a moment where many doubted me, Bayern gave me an opportunity. It was an honor to represent one of the biggest sports brands and institutions in the World," he wrote in an Instagram post.
"Winning the German Cup and the Bundesliga was very special at this time of my career, as well as competing in the EuroLeague. Thanks to Herbert Hainer, Marko Pesic and Daniele Baiesi for bringing me to Munich and for believing in my hard work and experience. Thanks to coach Pablo Laso for believing in me and to all the coaching staff and club staff for their work and support on and off the court. Thanks to my teammates for their work and for welcoming me in the locker room."
"And thanks to the fans for their constant support all season, I will always remember it," he concluded.
Ibaka has already appeared in 6 EuroLeague games with Real Madrid during the NBA lockout in the 2011-12 season, averaging 5.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.0 blocked shots in less than 15 minutes per game.
During Bayern's EuroLeague campaign last season, he posted averages of 12.6 points (62.8% 2FG, 48.0% 3FG), 6.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.2 blocked shots, and a 15.8 PIR.
In his best game of the season, Ibaka scored 24 points in 23 minutes, along with 13 rebounds (6 offensive), 2 blocked shots, and a PIR of 34 in a win against Virtus Bologna.
He ranked in the top six in the league for double-doubles, with four 20-plus-point games and nine 20-plus-efficiency performances.
 | Real Madrid | |
| Position | Player | Status |
| PG | Facundo Campazzo | Signed until 2027 |
| PG | Andres Feliz (story) | Signed until 2027 |
| SG/PG | Xavier Rathan-Mayes (story) | Signed until 2026 |
| SG/SF | Alberto Abalde | Signed until 2025 |
| SG/SF | Dzanan Musa (story) | Signed until 2025 |
| SF | Mario Hezonja (story) | Signed until 2029 |
| SF/PF | Gabriel Deck | Signed until 2028 |
| PF | Guerschon Yabusele | Signed until 2025 |
| C | Edy Tavares (story) | Signed until 2029 |
| Coach | Chus Mateo (signed until 2026) | |
| Expired contract | Carlos Alocen (will not return), Sergio Rodriguez (retirement), Sergio Llull, Rudy Fernandez (retirement), Fabien Causeur, Vincent Poirier (will not return) | |
| Rumored to leave | ||
| Interested | Serge Ibaka (story), Hugo Gonzalez | |
More Real Madrid transfer news:
- Xavier Rathan-Mayes signs for Real Madrid
- Dzanan Musa stays with Real Madrid for one more season
- Edy Tavares remains in Real Madrid for multiple years
- Chus Mateo stays in Real Madrid
- Andres Feliz signs multi-year deal with Real Madrid
- Mario Hezonja signs a new long-term deal with Real Madrid
- Andres Feliz nears deal with Real Madrid: 'It's in progress'
- Mario Hezonja stays with Real Madrid
- Carlos Alocen leaves Real Madrid
- Chus Mateo to reportedly extend contract with Real Madrid
