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Celtics trade rumors: Boston showing interest in Clippers center
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- Celtics trade rumors: Boston showing interest in Clippers center
The Celtics could certainly use some more depth in their frontcourt and it appears Brad Stevens has checked on one potential upgrade at the center. Michael Scotto of Hoopshype reports the Celtics and Pacers have expressed interest in Clippers big man Ivica Zubac . The 28-year-old recently returned from a sprained ankle this past weekend in a Celtics blowout win over the Clippers.
Zubac is a logical fit for Boston as a trade target due to his age and mid-sized contract. He’s only making $18.1 million this year and is under contract for an average of $20 million through the 2027-28 season. The seven-footer is averaging 15 points and 11 rebounds per game this year on the heels of a breakout season last year that earned him a spot on the NBA’s All-Defensive second team.
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Whether Zubac is a realistic target is perhaps the bigger question for Boston. Scotto reports that the Clippers have been asking for at least two first-round picks for the big man in previous talks. Additionally, the Clippers have also righted the ship as a team after a miserable 6-21 start, winning seven of their last eight games. They now sit just two games out of the Western Conference play-in tournament so selling off the team’s cost-controlled center would be a surprise for owner Steve Ballmer barring bigger changes.
Any potential swap for Zubac with Boston would need to involve a larger salary to make the money work for trade rules as well. That means Anfernee Simons or Sam Hauser (and other filler) would be necessary to match the money. Whether the Celtics want to commit significant draft capital in addition to either of those names for Zubac is an open question.
For now, the Celtics are thriving with their current roster in the frontcourt in large part thanks to the emergence of Luka Garza over the past two weeks. The Celtics are 23-12 overall and have won eight of their last nine games, with Garza being a bright spot off the bench, backing up Neemias Queta in that stretch. Adding a big man likely remains a priority for Boston in some form, but it’s certainly not something that has been urgent this month
The NBA trade deadline is on Thursday, Feb. 5.
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