The LA Clippers have made a significant move by agreeing to a three-year, $58.6 million contract extension with center Ivica Zubac. This deal will keep Zubac with the franchise for $70 million until the end of the 2027-2028 season. His agents, Mike Lindeman and Jeff Schwartz of Excel, announced the agreement on Friday. This contract represents the maximum deal available to Zubac under the current terms of the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement.
Zubac showcased his value to the Clippers during the previous season, averaging a career-high 11.7 points and 9.2 rebounds. His strong performance was highlighted by a 16.2 points per game average in a Western Conference playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks. Not only was Zubac a force on the offensive end, shooting an impressive 65% from the field in the regular season, but he also excelled defensively. He held opponents to just 49.6% shooting at the rim, ranking as the best rim protector in the league among players who defended 200 or more shots.
Team Impact
The extension of Zubac’s contract comes at a crucial time for the Clippers, who recently lost All-NBA forward Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. However, the team managed to retain free agent guard James Harden on a new deal and signed free agents Nicolas Batum and Derrick Jones. Keeping Zubac on board provides stability in the frontcourt for the Clippers, solidifying their lineup heading into the upcoming season.
Since arriving in a trade from the Lakers in 2018, Zubac has been a valuable contributor to the Clippers. Heading into his seventh season with the team, he brings experience and reliability to the court. Over his eight-year NBA career, Zubac has averaged 9.4 points and 7.2 rebounds, showcasing his versatility as a skilled big man.
The Clippers’ decision to extend Ivica Zubac’s contract is a strategic move that reinforces their commitment to building a competitive team. With Zubac’s talent and consistency, the Clippers are positioning themselves for success in the seasons to come.