The Boston Celtics have been constantly linked to LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac in trade buzz, but it now appears that a pairing isn’t going to happen.
NBA insider Jake Fischer wrote in his newsletter this week that the Clips probably aren’t interested in trading Zubac, now that they’re winning games and back in the playoff picture in the Western Conference.
“I was impressed by how focused the Clippers looked last Friday when they came to Barclays Center and promptly trounced the Nets,” Fischer wrote (subscription required). “I can likewise tell you, based on conversations with numerous teams, that any hopes that the Clippers would part with Zubac or James Harden have faded significantly.”
“Remember that, to the Clippers’ credit, they adopted the stance early that they would not be trade deadline sellers and believed this group could bounce back from a 6-21 start. And they might really be proven correct.”
Appearing in 34 games with 33 starts this season for the Clips, Zubac is averaging 14.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game in 31.3 minutes per contest. He ranks among the league’s top rebounders while shooting 60.6% from the field.
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Despite a slight dip from last year’s career-best numbers, Zubac has notched 13 double-doubles, including a 22-point, 11-rebound effort against the New York Knicks on January 7. His defensive presence remains strong.
The Croatian center was drafted 32nd overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016 and traded to the Clippers in 2019. Zubac has evolved from a raw prospect into a consistent starter, amassing 618 games with career averages of 10.4 points and 8.3 rebounds. His breakout 2024-25 season earned All-Defensive Second Team honors with 16.8 points and 12.6 rebounds. At 28, Zubac continues to improve, and he’s undeniably one of the most valuable centers in the NBA.
Featured image via Kirby Lee/Imagn Images
