Boston Celtics
“It would have taken at least two first-round picks for the Clippers to consider parting with Zubac.”
If Brad Stevens and the Boston Celtics want to make upgrades before the NBA trade deadline, bolstering the team’s frontcourt makes plenty of sense as the team awaits the return of Jayson Tatum.
One of those potential upgrades at center is Clippers big man Ivica Zubac, with Michael Scotto of Hoopshype reporting on Tuesday that Boston has shown an interest in prying the 28-year-old away from the West Coast.
“During earlier trade inquiries, it would have taken at least two first-round picks for the Clippers to consider parting with Zubac, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote. “Among the notable teams to express interest in trading for Zubac were the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics, HoopsHype has learned.”
Zubac would be a sizable addition to a Celtics team that has exceeded expectations this year amid a reworked roster.
Even without Tatum — who could return in the coming months after rehabbing back from a ruptured Achilles — and the offseason exits of Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Luke Kornet, and Al Horford, Boston is currently in second place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 23-12.
While current Celtics starting center Neemias Queta has more than held his own with his increased reps (10.2 points, 7.8 rebounds per game), Zubac would give Joe Mazzulla and the Celtics another strong two-way presence in the paint.
The 7-foot Zubac is averaging 15.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 blocks over 31.7 minutes per game this season with the Clippers.
Beyond his production down low, Zubac is also a plus defender — finishing sixth in the voting for 2024-25 NBA Defensive Player of the Year while securing a spot on the All-Defensive Second Team.
Acquiring Zubac would likely require Boston moving out salary like Anfernee Simons or Sam Hauer, beyond whatever draft capital or assets the Clippers covet.
Still, bringing in Zubac wouldn’t severely hinder Boston’s financial outlook, as he commands an $18.1 million salary in 2025-26 and is under contract for an average of $20 million through the 2027-28 season.
The NBA trade deadline is set for Thursday, Feb. 5.
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