In the world of basketball, a team’s success often hinges on strategic decisions, and for the Boston Celtics this season, they're riding high with unexpected accomplishments fueled by stellar performances from players like Jaylen Brown, who has been playing at an MVP-caliber level. Emerging talents such as Jordan Walsh and Hugo Gonzalez have also been making significant contributions, adding depth to the squad.
However, if the Celtics are genuinely eyeing a deep playoff journey, they will need to bolster their frontcourt, particularly as they rely on the potential contributions from superstar Jayson Tatum. Currently, the Celtics roster features just two players taller than 6-foot-9 (excluding rookie Amari Williams, who is on a two-way contract). Although Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have exceeded expectations in their roles, it's clear that adding a third big man with a solid track record would greatly benefit the team's chances.
This brings us to Ivica Zubac, a center for the Los Angeles Clippers, who could potentially fill this gap for the Celtics. During a special Mailbag episode of the Celtics Talk Podcast, insider Chris Forsberg discussed the intriguing possibility of Zubac joining Boston should the Clippers decide to trade him before the NBA's trade deadline on February 5.
Forsberg expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I think he's the one guy I would be willing to splurge on a little bit. His contract is so desirable. He checks a lot of boxes. He’s consistently ranking in the top 20 for defensive rebounds, and he led the league in that category last year. He immediately addresses our greatest need, and his defensive capabilities are evident."
Last season, Zubac achieved career highs, averaging 16.8 points and 12.6 rebounds per game, and he notably finished sixth in the voting for the Defensive Player of the Year award. Despite facing an ankle injury that sidelined him for six of the Clippers' last twelve games, he continues to post impressive numbers, averaging 14.8 points and 10.7 rebounds each game.
Moreover, Zubac's contract is favorable for any team looking to make a significant move. As a 29-year-old player, he is currently in the first year of a three-year deal worth $58.7 million, which averages out to about $19.5 million annually through the 2027-28 season.
But acquiring Zubac wouldn’t be straightforward. The Clippers have bounced back from a poor start to the season and are now just half a game away from securing a spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament. This raises questions about whether they will consider trading him at all. Should the Clippers decide to entertain offers for Zubac, they are likely to have a steep asking price; reports suggest they might seek at least two first-round draft picks in exchange for the talented big man.
If the Celtics are in the market for a formidable presence in the paint, Forsberg believes Zubac stands out as one of the top candidates. He remarked, "For me, it comes down to plug-and-play. He fits this team perfectly. I just think Zubac checks many boxes. He’s making $18 million this season, which could actually offer some financial flexibility. You could navigate two paths here.
"While I don’t think the Celtics are overly concerned with staying under the tax threshold this year, having Zubac would provide a bit more long-term flexibility and could allow the team to consider resetting repeater penalties, which could pave the way for larger moves in the future."
Additionally, this podcast episode delves into other pertinent topics:
* What roster adjustments might the Celtics explore?
* What would be necessary to acquire Jaren Jackson Jr.?
* When can we expect Jayson Tatum to return to the lineup?
