The Los Angeles Clippers are set to extend starting center Ivica Zubac’s contract for three years at $58.6 million, as announced by his agents, Mike Lindeman and Jeff Schwartz of Excel, in a report by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. This extension secures Zubac’s position with the team through the 2027-28 season.
At 27, Zubac had a standout year with the Clippers, who finished the season with a 51-31 record. In 68 starts, he averaged 11.7 points on an impressive 64.9% shooting, alongside 9.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game.
Zubac’s journey began when the Los Angeles Lakers picked him 32nd overall in the 2016 NBA Draft after a brief stint with Serbian club KK Mega Basket. After three challenging seasons with the Lakers, he was traded to the Clippers in a surprising deal that sent veteran Michael Beasley to the Lakers in exchange for just Mike Muscala, who later left in free agency.
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With the Clippers, Zubac has established himself as a key player, especially since the 2020-21 season when Serge Ibaka joined the team temporarily. Notably, Zubac was recognized as one of the top rim protectors last season, limiting opponents to just 49.6% shooting at the rim, the best in the league for those contesting over 200 shots.
In contrast, the team recently saw nine-time All-Star Paul George leave for the Philadelphia 76ers after signing a mega four-year, $211.6 million deal. George’s departure follows a lackluster five-year stint with the Clippers despite playing alongside stars like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, failing to achieve a deep playoff run.
Read more: Paul George Felt Insulted by Clippers in Contract Negotiations
George expressed disappointment over the Clippers’ initial lowball extension offer compared to what fellow All-Star Leonard received. After negotiations soured, he demanded a four-year max deal, leading to his exit. Meanwhile, the Clippers opted to invest in aging stars like Harden with a lucrative two-season, $70 million agreement.
Read more: Clippers Agree To Massive Multi-Year Deal To Retain Star James Harden: Report
In the wake of George’s exit, Clippers’ team president Lawrence Frank reacted quickly, signing Derrick Jones Jr. from the Mavericks and reuniting with Nicolas Batum, who returned after being briefly traded to Philadelphia as part of the Harden acquisition.
Read more: Clippers Head Coach Can’t Wait to Prove People Wrong After Losing Paul George