In the past few seasons, the Toronto Raptors have become legitimate Eastern Conference contenders but as always, there is room for improvement. And in next year's free agency they might get better when they land Serge Ibaka. 

The Raptors made it to their first ever conference finals last season. Unfortunately, they were eliminated in six games by the reigning champions Cleveland Cavaliers. Still, it was an impressive run and they remain favorites in the East for the 2016–17 season. 

Toronto almost has a complete team led by the young and talented backcourt of All-Stars DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, together with veteran small forward DeMarre Carroll and budding center Jonas Valančiūnas. 

Perhaps what the Raptors are missing for a championship push is an elite power forward who can bring impact and that is where Ibaka comes in. 

This off-season, Ibaka was traded by the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Orlando Magic. However, next year, the 26-year-old player is going to be an unrestricted free agent and Doug Smith of the Toronto Star suggests that the Raptors may be considering Ibaka. 

If Ibaka fails to succeed in Orlando, there is a huge possibility that he will exploring the market in 2017, and the Raptors might be willing to sign him to a deal to acquire his services. 

When that happens, the Raptors boast a formidable starting lineup which will feature Lowry, DeRozan, Carroll, Ibaka, and Valančiūnas. 

Toronto has one of the best defense in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Ibaka would make that better if he heads to the north in 2017. The Congolese-Spanish big man led the league in blocks in 2012 and 2013. 

Aside from Ibaka's defense, he can also contribute efficiently on the offensive end and in the past four seasons averaged double-digits in scoring. He can hit mid-range jumpers and even takes three-point shots.