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Clippers Extend Qualifying Offers to Ivica Zubac and Rodney McGruder

By Matt Chong

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 13: Ivica Zubac #40 and Landry Shamet #20 of the LA Clippers high-five during a game against the Phoenix Suns on February 13, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 13: Ivica Zubac #40 and Landry Shamet #20 of the LA Clippers high-five during a game against the Phoenix Suns on February 13, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The LA Clippers have extended a qualifying offer to free agents Ivica Zubac (C)  and Rodney McGruder (G/F).

The extension of qualifying offers to Zubac and McGruder makes them restricted free agents, and ensures that should another team approach them with a contract offer the LA Clippers deem reasonable, they’ll be able to match it.

In his third year, Ivica Zubac showed that he has what it takes to compete at an NBA level and could be a strong future asset for the Clippers. LA would love for the 22 year-old to continue on his upward trajectory and develop into a key piece of their squad alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Landry Shamet. Zubac averaged 9.4PPG/7.7RPG/1.5APG in 26 games with the Clippers this past season.

Only now starting to really fill into his seven-foot one-inch frame and develop his game, the Croatian big man could turn into a great inside presence for years to come. The Clippers may still decide to let Zubac walk if money becomes an issue, but they’d certainly like to keep him aboard if at all possible.

Rodney McGruder, also coming off of his third year, albeit at the age of 27 (turns 28 at the end of July), was claimed off of waivers by the Clippers at the end of last season, thus securing his bird rights, for precisely this scenario. Although he wasn’t eligible to play for Los Angeles in the Playoffs, McGruder is an experienced wing whose services may be useful in the coming seasons. With Miami, McGruder averaged 7.6PPG/3.6RPG/1.7APG. Whether or not the Clippers secure the services of any big name free agents, McGruder would be a very solid player for them to bring off the bench.

Despite not being able to play at the end of last season, Rodney McGruder has been spending time with the Clippers’ current players and is by all accounts fitting in just fine. Assuming McGruder doesn’t receive an outrageous offer from another team, making him a restricted free agent essentially ensures that the Clippers will have him if they want him. If signed, he would likely fill into a role similar to that of the one Garrett Temple played with the Clippers. A very necessary part of any team, contending or otherwise.

In addition to the extension of these qualifying offers, the Clippers have elected not to extend a qualifying offer to power forward Johnathan Motley, making him an unrestricted free agent. Motley was a force to reckon with in the G-League, but ultimately had difficulty getting any meaningful playing time with the Clippers’ first team.

Next. Re-ranking the LA Clippers’ top free agent threats. dark

Free agency begins this Sunday at 6:00 E.T.

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