Ivica Zubac’s Impact on LA Clippers and Missed Trade Opportunity
Despite a disappointing start to the season, the LA Clippers now regret passing on a potential trade involving Ivica Zubac that could have changed their fortunes. The team hesitated to include Zubac in a major offseason deal for Kevin Durant due to concerns about his age and remaining prime years.
Although a brief decline was anticipated, it was expected that Zubac would recover his form. Instead, his reduced physical presence has led to fewer post-ups, rebounds, and effective use of his height on the court. Meanwhile, Durant, now with the Houston Rockets, continues to perform impressively despite being 37 years old.
Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported in June about the Phoenix Suns' interest in 28-year-old Ivica Zubac. However, the Clippers insisted that Zubac would remain in Los Angeles.
The Clippers now deeply regret rejecting the offer that would have sent Zubac to the Suns in exchange for one of the greatest offensive players in NBA history.
Key Points
- LA Clippers hesitated to trade Ivica Zubac due to his age and perceived limited future prime.
- Zubac’s current performance has declined, impacting the team's effectiveness inside the paint.
- Kevin Durant’s move to Houston Rockets has been successful despite his age.
- There was concrete interest from the Phoenix Suns for Zubac, but Clippers rejected the proposal.
Author's Summary
The Clippers’ reluctance to trade Ivica Zubac reflects a costly misjudgment, as his struggles contrast sharply with Kevin Durant’s thriving performance on the Rockets.