Ivica Zubac’s Decline Leaves Clippers Regretful
Despite a slow start to the season, the Los Angeles Clippers are now regretting a missed opportunity involving Ivica Zubac. The team’s hesitation to trade their 28-year-old center for Kevin Durant last offseason has turned into a painful realization as the season unfolds.
The Clippers had initially declined the proposed deal due to concerns about Zubac’s age and remaining prime years. They hoped his temporary struggles would pass. However, his reduced physical presence has become evident — he posts up less, rebounds less, and no longer uses his size to dominate inside.
Meanwhile, Durant, now with the Houston Rockets, continues to perform at a high level despite being 37. His consistency only deepens the Clippers' regret for not securing one of basketball’s most prolific scorers.
“In June, Jake Fischer of ‘The Stein Line’ reported interest from the Phoenix Suns in 28-year-old Ivica Zubac, but the LA Clippers were firm that his home would be in Los Angeles.”
Summary
The Clippers’ refusal to trade Ivica Zubac for Kevin Durant now looks like a major misstep as Zubac struggles and Durant thrives elsewhere.