Celtics Named as “Interesting” Landing Spot for Elite Big Man

After trading away Kristaps Porzingis and losing Al Horford and Luke Kornet in free agency, the Boston Celtics are expected to pursue a new starting-level center in the near future. Neemias Queta has shouldered the responsibility well and has shown significant improvements in his all-around game.

However, if Boston is going to re-emerge as a contender, it will need a proven presence anchoring the paint. That’s where Ivica Zubac could enter the picture. Zubac is one of the LA Clippers’ best trade assets. And given the team’s struggles to begin the season, Steve Ballmer could consider a rebuild over the coming months.

According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Zubac has received a fair amount of trade attention in recent months. Siegel also shared his belief that Boston could be an “interesting” trade partner for Zubac, assuming they express interest in the elite big man.

“It would be very interesting to see if the Boston Celtics would get involved and look to acquire Zubac as their franchise center moving forward,” Siegel wrote. “Boston clearly has a hole in their frontcourt to fill…Another key piece of information making the Celtics an interesting trade partner for the Clippers is that they have Anfernee Simons…Simons is in the final year of his contract, and if the Clippers can get a few draft picks from the Celtics for Zubac, that could be an intriguing scenario for them to discuss.”

It’s important to note that Siegel is sharing his opinion regarding Boston and Zubac, nd is not reporting it as fact. However, he isn’t wrong in the sense that adding the veteran big man would be a huge win for Brad Stevens and Joe Mazzulla’s team.

Last season, Zubac finished sixth in Defensive Player of the Year voting and was selected to the NBA’s All-Defensive Second Team. He also posted impressive averages of 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists on 62.8% shooting from the field.

Zubac would solve many of Boston’s issues on both sides of the floor. Adding him would also allow Queta to slide into a second-unit role, where he would thrive. However, Boston won’t be the only team pursuing the 7-foot big man. So if he does become available, Stevens should do whatever he can to position the Celtics toward the front of the line.