The Charlotte Hornets were swinging for the fences.
In an effort to shake up their roster and bring in some much-needed size and interior presence, the Hornets reportedly made a run at Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac. According to league sources, Charlotte was one of at least five teams - along with the Celtics and Pacers - that inquired about Zubac’s availability when the Clippers were navigating through a rough patch earlier this season.
Zubac, a 7-footer with a strong interior game and a reliable presence on both ends of the floor, has quietly become one of the more valuable big men in the league. He’s been the anchor in the middle for the Clippers, and his production this season backs that up: 14.8 points, 10.8 rebounds per game, while shooting an efficient 60.5% from the field. He’s also converting over 72% from the free-throw line - a solid mark for a center - and has already racked up 21 double-doubles.
So it’s no surprise the Clippers weren’t eager to part ways with him.
Despite the interest, Los Angeles turned down all offers, including one that reportedly included an unprotected first-round pick and a pick swap. Around the league, there’s a belief that the Clippers would only consider moving Zubac if the return included multiple first-rounders - a steep price, but one that reflects how much they value his role in their system, especially now that they’ve found their rhythm again and turned their season around.
Zubac is on the books for $18.1 million this season, and with his consistent production and age, he’s seen as more than just a short-term piece - he’s a foundational role player for a team with championship aspirations.
For the Hornets, landing Zubac would’ve been a big move - literally and figuratively. Pairing him with LaMelo Ball, one of the league’s most dynamic young passers, could’ve created a compelling inside-out combination. Ball’s ability to manipulate defenses and find cutters and rollers in tight windows would’ve meshed well with Zubac’s finishing touch and screen-setting.
But for now, that potential pairing remains a what-if.
At 16-27, the Hornets sit on the outside of the playoff picture, and while they’ve shown flashes of promise, they’re not expected to make a major move before the trade deadline. The front office appears to be walking the line between development and competitiveness, and while they’ve been active in discussions, nothing blockbuster seems imminent.
There is, however, some chatter around guard Collin Sexton, who’s in the final year of his contract. He could be a trade candidate as the deadline approaches, especially if Charlotte looks to get value before he hits free agency. Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges have both popped up in trade rumors - Ball has been linked to the Raptors and Clippers, while Bridges has drawn reported interest from the Lakers and Bucks - but league insiders don’t expect either player to be moved at this point.
With the trade deadline set for February 5 at 3 p.m. ET, the Hornets still have time to make a move, but unless something unexpected develops, it’s looking like they’ll ride out the season with their current core - and keep their eyes on the longer-term rebuild.
Still, their pursuit of Zubac shows they’re not afraid to take a swing. Whether that boldness turns into action before the deadline remains to be seen.