Imagine the Boston Celtics, already a force to be reckoned with this season, adding a missing piece that could propel them to championship glory. That's the tantalizing prospect Chris Forsberg presents in his latest analysis, suggesting Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac as the 'perfect' trade target for Boston. The Celtics, fueled by Jaylen Brown's MVP-caliber performances and the emergence of young talents like Jordan Walsh and Hugo Gonzalez, have surpassed expectations. But as Forsberg astutely points out, their frontcourt depth remains a concern. With only two players over 6-foot-9 on the roster (excluding two-way rookie Amari Williams), and despite the admirable efforts of Neemias Queta and Luka Garza, the Celtics could significantly benefit from a proven, experienced big man. And this is where Zubac enters the picture.
On a recent Mailbag edition of the Celtics Talk Podcast, Forsberg highlighted Zubac's potential fit in Boston, should the Clippers make him available before the February 5th trade deadline. Forsberg boldly declares, 'I think he's the one guy I'd be willing to splurge on.' And it's easy to see why. Zubac's contract is incredibly team-friendly, and his on-court contributions are undeniable. Consistently ranking among the league's top defensive rebounders (even leading the NBA last season), Zubac would instantly address Boston's most pressing need. His defensive prowess is undeniable, and his career-high averages of 16.8 points and 12.6 rebounds last season, coupled with a sixth-place finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting, speak volumes about his impact.
But here's where it gets controversial: while Zubac's recent ankle injury has sidelined him for six of the Clippers' last 12 games, his current double-double averages (14.8 points, 10.7 rebounds) suggest he's still a dominant force. His contract, a three-year, $58.7 million deal averaging $19.5 million annually, is a bargain for a player of his caliber. However, acquiring Zubac wouldn't be a simple task. The Clippers, after a sluggish start, are now within striking distance of a Western Conference play-in spot, making their willingness to trade Zubac uncertain. And if they do, the asking price would likely be steep, with reports suggesting at least two first-round picks.
Yet, Forsberg remains convinced that Zubac is worth the investment. 'For me, it comes down to plug-and-play,' he explains. 'He fits this team perfectly.' Zubac's $18 million salary this season could even provide the Celtics with some financial flexibility, potentially allowing them to shed salary or reset repeater penalties for future moves.
But what do you think? Is Zubac the missing piece for the Celtics, or is the price tag too high? Could the Clippers realistically part ways with such a valuable asset? Let us know in the comments below!
Also in this episode, we delve into potential roster changes for the Celtics, explore the possibilities of acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr., and discuss the eagerly anticipated return of Jayson Tatum.
