Ivica Zubac and the Clippers' Missed Opportunity
The LA Clippers are now regretting a decision involving Ivica Zubac that could have changed their current trajectory. Despite a slow start this season, the Clippers were hesitant to include Zubac in an offseason trade for Kevin Durant, mainly due to concerns about his age and remaining prime years.
Zubac’s Performance Concerns
While a minor decline was anticipated, it was expected that Zubac would recover quickly. However, the team has noticed that he is using his size less effectively, posting up and rebounding less than usual, affecting his overall impact on the court.
Kevin Durant’s Success Elsewhere
By contrast, Durant is excelling with the Houston Rockets. Even at 37, his performance has remained strong after moving from the Phoenix Suns to a team he preferred. This success only deepens the Clippers' regret for passing on the trade.
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.
The Clippers declined a proposal to trade Zubac to the Suns for one of the greatest offensive players in NBA history, a decision they now clearly wish they had reversed.
Summary
The Clippers’ reluctance to trade Ivica Zubac for Kevin Durant, driven by concerns over Zubac’s future potential, is now viewed as a costly mistake amid Durant's thriving performance elsewhere.