Clippers Reportedly Receiving Trade Interest For Zubac

The Los Angeles Clippers could also be stumbling within the early parts of this season, however one factor is evident: they don’t have any intention of inserting Ivica Zubac on the commerce block.

As hypothesis grows concerning potential commerce deadline offers, the franchise seems to have determined to carry onto its rising middle.

Clippers Trade Rumors Spotlight Zubac, But LA Isn’t Budging

While NBA groups are anticipated to inquire about Zubac, insider Jake Fischer experiences that the Clippers have no real interest in dealing him.

According to Fischer, the group values the regular development of their massive man and acknowledges the cut price they’ve in his team-friendly deal.

Ivica Zubac’s Career Season Raises His Stock

Coming into the brand new marketing campaign, Zubac was contemporary off one of the best yr of his profession, wherein he averaged a sturdy 16.8 factors, 12.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per contest, slotting him as a Most Improved Player finalist and a member of the NBA All-Defensive Second Team.

He has carried that momentum into the 2025–26 season, already posting 15.9 factors and 11.6 rebounds per sport, proving his breakout yr was no fluke.

A High-Impact Center on a Team-Friendly Contract

One of the most important causes LA plans to carry onto Zubac is the worth of his present contract. He’s locked right into a three-year, $58.65 million deal, making him top-of-the-line bargains at his place. His wage breakdown:

• $18.1 million this season
• $19.5 million by 2026
• $29.9 m in 2027–28

The Clippers view him extra as a long-term asset than a commerce chip primarily based on his manufacturing, age, and the arc of his profession.

LA Can’t Afford to Tank—Literally

According to Bleacher Report, a 6–18 begin has the Clippers second-to-last within the Western Conference, however tanking is totally off the desk. The staff has no management over their 2026 first-round choose, and handing Oklahoma City a lottery choose is the very last thing they need to do.

Instead, the franchise is trying to claw its means again into playoff competition. Keeping Zubac bolsters their probabilities of competing now whereas preserving roster flexibility for future strikes.

Why Keeping Zubac Is the Clippers’ Smartest Play

In a season filled with uncertainty, the Clippers know one factor for certain: Zubac is simply too invaluable on the court docket and on the books to surrender.

A dependable two-way massive man on a cut price contract is the sort of basis a struggling staff builds round, not trades away. If LA is to have a sensible likelihood at salvaging this season and remaining aggressive long-term, holding onto Ivica Zubac isn’t just logical-it’s essential.

Meanwhile, a earlier rumor tale stated that Chris Paul shut down retirement speak after the Clips waived him.