The Boston Celtics have been circling the trade market looking for frontcourt reinforcements, and LA Clippers big man Ivica Zubac had emerged as a name to watch. But if Celtics fans were hoping for a Zubac-to-Boston deal before the trade deadline, it’s probably time to shift those expectations.
According to league insider Jake Fischer, the Clippers are no longer entertaining the idea of moving Zubac. And frankly, it makes sense.
LA has turned its season around in a big way, climbing back into the Western Conference playoff picture after a brutal start. That resurgence has cooled any talk of the Clippers becoming sellers at the deadline.
Fischer noted that LA made it clear early on they weren’t planning to blow things up, even when they were sitting at 6-21. Now, with momentum on their side and the roster clicking, the front office appears committed to riding with this group - Zubac included.
And Zubac’s play has been a big part of that resurgence.
Through 34 games (33 starts), the 7-footer is putting up 14.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and a block per game while logging just over 31 minutes a night. He’s shooting a highly efficient 60.6% from the field and continues to be one of the league’s most dependable rebounders. While his numbers have dipped slightly from last season’s career-high marks, Zubac has still racked up 13 double-doubles, including a 22-point, 11-rebound performance against the Knicks earlier this month.
Defensively, he remains a rock in the paint - a reliable rim protector who anchors LA’s interior. His presence allows the Clippers’ perimeter defenders to play more aggressively, knowing they’ve got a safety net behind them.
Zubac’s journey has been one of steady progression. Drafted 32nd overall by the Lakers back in 2016, he was traded across the hallway to the Clippers in 2019.
Since then, he’s grown from a raw, developmental big into a legitimate starting center with over 600 games under his belt. His breakout campaign last season - where he averaged 16.8 points and 12.6 boards - earned him All-Defensive Second Team honors.
Now 28, he’s hitting his prime and showing no signs of slowing down.
In a league that’s constantly chasing shooting and small-ball versatility, Zubac is a bit of a throwback - a traditional big who thrives in the paint, controls the glass, and does the dirty work. But make no mistake: his impact is modern and meaningful. The Clippers know what they have, and with the team clicking, they’re not about to let go of one of their most valuable pieces.
So while the Celtics may still be in the market for size, it looks like Zubac won’t be the answer. For now, he’s staying put in LA - and helping the Clippers make a serious push in the West.