NBA

Forsberg: Why Ivica Zubac would be the ‘perfect’ trade target for the Celtics

ballervisions 2026年1月16日

The post Forsberg: Why Ivica Zubac would be ‘perfect trade target’ for Celtics appeared first on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics have exceeded expectations this season thanks to MVP-level play from Jaylen Brown and encouraging contributions from young wings like Jordan Walsh and Hugo Gonzalez.

But if the Celtics are serious about making a postseason run — and if they believe star Jayson Tatum will contribute to that run — they could use some reinforcements in the frontcourt. Boston has just two players taller than 6-foot-9 on its NBA roster (if you count two-way rookie Amari Williams), and while Neemias Queta and Luka Garza are both very good against expectations, the C’s will absolutely benefit from a third big man with a proven track record.

Can Los Angeles Clippers big man Ivica Zubac help fill that void?

In Mailbag’s special edition of Celtics Talk Podcast, Celtics Insider Chris Forsberg weighed in on Zubac’s fit in Boston if the Clippers make him available before the Feb. NBA trade deadline. 5.

“I think he’s a guy that I would be willing to take out a little bit,” Forsberg said. “His contract is very attractive. He checks a lot of boxes. (He always) sits in the top 20 in defensive rebounds. I think he led the NBA in defensive rebounds last year. He fills your biggest need right away. The defensive strength is evident.”

Zubac averaged career highs in points (16.8) and rebounds (12.6) last season while finishing sixth in Defensive Player of the Year voting. And even though he’s missed six of Los Angeles’ last 12 games with an ankle injury, he’s still averaging a double-double (14.8 points and 10.7 rebounds per game).

Zubac is on a lucrative contract, too: The 29-year-old is in the first year of a three-year, $58.7 million deal that will pay him roughly $19.5 million through the 2027-28 season.

Acquiring Zubac would be easier said than done: The Clippers are coming off a rough start and are just a game out of a Western Conference playoff spot, so it’s unclear if they’ll be sellers. And if they make Zubac available, they will likely have a higher asking price; HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto recently reported that the Clippers would want “at least” two first-round picks in a potential deal.

But if the Celtics are in the market for a big man, Forsberg considers Zubac one of the best options.

“For me, it comes down to connecting and playing,” added Forsberg. “He fits this team, he is a perfect person for this team.

” … I think Zubac checks a lot of boxes.” (He makes) $18 million this season, which will allow you to cut money. You can step on two tracks.

“I don’t think the Celtics are overly worried about getting under the tax this year, but it gives you a little more flexibility long term and think about resetting the penalty kicks, which can help do a lot of damage down the road.”

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