*This is a prediction*
With the NBA trade deadline closing in, chatter and discussions are starting to arise surrounding teams that could be potentially looking to make moves, either as sellers or buyers.
One team that has been frequently discussed as a team looking to “blow things up” and start over by trading away players at the trade deadline is the Los Angeles Clippers, as they sit with a 6-18 record, and are the second-to-last team in the Western Conference standings.
It is clear changes need to be made, and while names like James Harden and Kawhi Leonard have been brought up in trade discussions, there is another player that can get the Clippers a better return to accelerate through a rebuild, and that is Ivica Zubac.
If this ends up being the case with Ivica Zubac having a chance to get traded, the Boston Celtics need to be looking to acquire him.
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Los Angeles Clippers Trade Ivica Zubac to the Boston Celtics
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Anfernee Simons, 2028 First Round Pick
Boston Celtics Receive: Ivica Zubac, Nicolas Batum, Kobe Brown
For the Clippers, they receive a first round pick by trading Ivica Zubac in this scenario. This extra draft capital can help give them more flexibility in building the team out for the future, and getting younger. They also get someone in Anfernee Simons who can bring the scoring presence they need to start stabilizing the offense while also leading the charge for this rebuild.
For the Boston Celtics, they have shocked many this season. After Jayson Tatum went down with an Achilles injury in the playoffs, and then them having to move on from key defenders in Kristaps Prozingis and Jrue Holiday this offseason for salary cap reasons, many questioned the success they would be able to have this season.
Things started rough for Boston, but since then, they have found a rhythm and sit with a top record in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics are still firm contenders, led by Derrick White and Jaylen Brown. Their goal now should be to continue to solidify their team for this season, as well as the future once Tatum returns.
How the Celtics can accomplish this is by trading for Ivica Zubac. This season so far, Zubac is averaging 15.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. Zubac would provide the frontcourt boost that the Celtics need and further get their defense back on track.
This trade also becomes favorable for Boston as Ivica Zubac just signed a three-year $58.6 million extension, meaning he is under team control on a cost-friendly contract. If the Celtics want to make sure they truly contend this season, trading for Zubac is how they do so.