If there was one name that had Celtics fans buzzing as the NBA trade deadline approached, it was Ivica Zubac. The Los Angeles Clippers center had been a frequent flyer in the rumor mill, and for good reason. With Boston’s frontcourt depth looking a little thin earlier this season, and Zubac locked into a very team-friendly deal, the fit seemed just about perfect on paper.
But that dream may be fading fast.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Clippers have little interest in parting with Zubac-or James Harden, for that matter. Despite a rocky 6-21 start, L.A. never saw itself as a seller, and now, with the team showing serious signs of life, they’re doubling down on that belief. The message from the front office is clear: they’re betting on this group to turn things around, and so far, that bet is aging well.
That’s a tough pill to swallow for Celtics fans who had circled Zubac as an ideal trade target. And it’s easy to see why he was so appealing.
At 26, Zubac is right in the middle of his prime and under contract through 2026 on a three-year, $58.6 million extension-a relative bargain in today’s market for a starting-caliber big man. He’s coming off a season where he earned All-Defensive Second Team honors and posted career highs in both points and rebounds. He’s the kind of player who could’ve immediately elevated Boston’s interior presence on both ends of the floor.
This season, his numbers have dipped slightly-down a couple of points and rebounds per game, with a noticeable drop in efficiency-but that hasn’t shaken the Clippers’ confidence in him. And it hasn’t changed the fact that he would’ve been a seamless addition to a Celtics roster that’s leaned heavily on its stars and is still looking for that final piece to solidify a championship run.
Still, the Celtics haven’t exactly been standing still in the frontcourt.
Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have stepped up in a big way, giving Boston solid minutes and surprising production. Queta’s rim protection and energy have been a boost, while Garza’s offensive skill set has flashed in limited opportunities. Neither player was expected to play a major role this season, but they’ve both carved out valuable spots in the rotation.
Would Zubac have pushed them down the depth chart? Sure.
But that’s the kind of depth playoff teams dream about-when overqualified backups are waiting in the wings, ready to contribute when called upon. It’s the kind of luxury that separates contenders from champions.
With Zubac likely staying put in Los Angeles, the Celtics will have to look elsewhere if they want to bolster the frontcourt before the February 5 trade deadline. Fortunately, the market isn’t bare.
Names like Jaren Jackson Jr., Robert Williams III, Day’Ron Sharpe, and Daniel Gafford have all been linked to Boston in recent weeks. Each brings a different flavor to the table-defensive upside, familiarity with the system, youth, or athleticism-and each could help fill the same void Zubac was projected to address.
So while the Zubac dream might be on hold, the Celtics’ front office-led by Brad Stevens-still has time and options. And if this season has shown us anything, it’s that Stevens knows how to navigate a roster puzzle.
Boston fans will have to be patient, but the next move could be just around the corner.