Ivica Zubac
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Ivica Zubac ranks fifth in double-doubles this season
The Boston Celtics are reportedly scouring the trade market for potential frontcourt upgrades. This week, the asking price for one of the team’s prized trade targets, Ivica Zubac, was revealed.
Writing for ClutchPoints, NBA insider Brett Siegel reported that there is widespread interest in Zubac and that the Los Angeles Clippers are seeking multiple first-round picks in exchange for the Croatian center.
“Ivica Zubac has been widely considered the Clippers’ best trade asset, with the Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, and Charlotte Hornets among at least five teams who inquired about the big man’s availability when the team was going through its struggles, league sources told ClutchPoints,” Siegel wrote.
“The Clippers, however, have rejected trade offers for Zubac, with a belief around the league that they’re seeking multiple first-round picks in any potential deal for him. One team offered an unprotected first-round pick and a pick swap in an offer for Zubac, sources said, but those talks didn’t go anywhere.”
Despite the Clippers’ woes as a team, this season has been a fruitful one for the Croatian center Zubac.
He is averaging 14.8 points and 10.8 rebounds while shooting 60 percent from the floor. Only Karl Anthony-Towns (29) and Nikola Jokic (28) have more double-doubles by a center this season than Zubac
Why Ivica Zubac Makes Sense for the Boston Celtics
Ivica Zubac
GettyCeltics have inquired about Ivica Zubac
While Jaylen Brown and Derrick White have provided Boston with stellar guard play, the team could use a boost in the frontcourt.
Neemias Queta has been serviceable in the starting role for Boston, averaging 10.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in roughly 24 minutes per game.
Still, that hasn’t stopped the Celtics from exploring the trade market for frontcourt help, as they have been linked to Bulls center Nikola Vucevic, Warriors reserve Al Horford and Zubac this season.
Zubac, a former All-Defensive team selection, could bolster what is shaping up to be a championship-caliber team in Boston.
Boston is currently the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, stunning skeptics who believed the team would struggle in the absence of star forward Jayson Tatum.
Entering the deadline, the Celtics are clear buyers and could make a splash move for Zubac.
A willing defender and tireless rebounder, Zubac would mesh well alongside scrappy defenders Brown and White in Boston.
Whether Boston offered the unprotected first-round pick for Zubac is unconfirmed, but such an offer would be a good starting point for a potential Celtics trade package.
Three Eastern Conference Teams in Bidding War for Zubac
Ivica Zubac
GettyClippers set steep asking price for Croatian center
The trade market is heating up for Zubac, and Eastern Conference teams are leading the charge.
ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel reported that the Celtics, Charlotte Hornets and Indiana Pacers have all inquired about the Clippers’ center.
Earlier this season, the Clippers were listed as a potential trade destination for Hornets star LaMelo Ball, making Charlotte’s interest in Zubac a noteworthy development.
For the Pacers, who have fallen from grace with Tyrese Haliburton sidelined with injury, Zubac could be a building block for the future.
Whether they are willing to meet the Clippers’ steep asking price remains to be seen, though.