Celtics reportedly interested in trading for Clippers big man

If Brad Stevens and the Boston Celtics want to make upgrades before the NBA trade deadline, bolstering the staff’s frontcourt makes loads of sense because the staff awaits the return of Jayson Tatum. 

A kind of potential upgrades at middle is Clippers large man Ivica Zubac, with Michael Scotto of Hoopshype reporting on Tuesday that Boston has proven an curiosity in prying the 28-year-old away from the West Coast. 

“Throughout earlier commerce inquiries, it could have taken a minimum of two first-round picks for the Clippers to contemplate parting with Zubac, league sources advised HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote. “Among the many notable groups to specific curiosity in buying and selling for Zubac had been the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics, HoopsHype has realized.”

Zubac can be a large addition to a Celtics staff that has exceeded expectations this yr amid a reworked roster.

Even with out Tatum — who may return within the coming months after rehabbing again from a ruptured Achilles —  and the offseason exits of Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Vacation, Luke Kornet, and Al Horford, Boston is at the moment in second place within the Jap Convention with a report of 23-12. 

Whereas present Celtics beginning middle Neemias Queta has greater than held his personal along with his elevated reps (10.2 factors, 7.8 rebounds per recreation), Zubac would give Joe Mazzulla and the Celtics one other robust two-way presence within the paint. 

The 7-foot Zubac is averaging 15.0 factors, 11.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 blocks over 31.7 minutes per recreation this season with the Clippers.

Past his manufacturing down low, Zubac can also be a plus defender — ending sixth within the voting for 2024-25 NBA Defensive Participant of the 12 months whereas securing a spot on the All-Defensive Second Crew. 

Buying Zubac would seemingly require Boston shifting out wage like Anfernee Simons or Sam Hauer, past no matter draft capital or belongings the Clippers covet. 

Nonetheless, bringing in Zubac wouldn’t severely hinder Boston’s monetary outlook, as he instructions an $18.1 million wage in 2025-26 and is below contract for a median of $20 million by the 2027-28 season. 

The NBA commerce deadline is ready for Thursday, Feb. 5.

 

Conor Ryan is a employees author masking the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Pink Sox for Boston.com, a task he has held since 2023.