Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac is drawing trade interest from the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers. HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported Tuesday that during earlier trade inquiries this season, “it would have taken at least two first-round picks for the Clippers to consider parting with Zubac.”
Clippers Reluctant To Trade Ivica Zubac
NBA insider Jake Fischer noted in early December that the Clippers are receiving trade interest in Zubac, “but they don’t want to part with the ever-improving big man who sports such a team-friendly contract.”
Per Spotrac, Zubac is on a relatively affordable three-year, $58.65 million contract. He’s slated to make $18.1 million this season, $19.5 million in 2026-27, and $29.9 million in 2027-28.
Zubac, 28, had a breakout year last season, averaging career highs of 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, 2,7 assists, and 32.8 minutes per game in 80 games (all starts) with L.A.
In the Clippers’ 119-117 road loss to the Phoenix Suns on March 4, 2025, he recorded a career-high 35 points on 15-of-19 (78.9%) shooting from the field and 5-for-6 (83.3%) from the foul line.
After leading the league in total rebounds (1,010), offensive rebounds (300), and defensive boards (710), Zubac was a finalist for Most Improved Player, and he earned his first NBA All-Defensive Second-Team selection.
Zubac Returned From Ankle Sprain
Through 30 appearances (29 starts) this season, Zubac is averaging 15.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 31.7 minutes per game while shooting 60.1% from the floor and 73.9% from the free throw line.
The 7-footer recently returned from a Grade 2 left ankle sprain that sidelined him for five games. He finished with four points, seven rebounds, and one assist in his return game Jan. 3 against Boston.
Zubac suffered the injury in the first half of a 103-88 home win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Dec. 20. He fell to the court in the first quarter and immediately hobbled to the locker room for evaluation.
Brook Lopez substituted in for Zubac, who finished with five points and two rebounds in 11 minutes. The victory over the Lakers ended the Clippers’ five-game losing streak.
Before the game, Lakers center Jaxson Hayes called Zubac an underappreciated big man.
“Zu is a dog, man,” Hayes said after the Lakers’ shootaround Saturday morning. “He’s, honestly, I feel like one of the most slept-on bigs in the league, man. If you play him, you know he’s like that. Zu has been like that for years.”
The Clippers are starting a three-game road trip at New York on Wednesday.
