LA Clippers Rumors: What Drummond Talk Means for Ivica Zubac

Chalk up another rumor for the LA Clippers, but this one isn’t another point guard, and it might mean something for Ivica Zubac. The Clips are certainly looking to improve any way they can, and the latest rumors suggest they’re already looking ahead to the buyout market.

While they haven’t been linked to any trade talks with Cleveland, the eyes of the LA Clippers are on Cleveland big Andre Drummond, who hasn’t played in a month and is expected to be bought out by the Cavaliers.

What do the rumors that the LA Clippers are interested in Andre Drummond mean for Ivica Zubac?

In their trade deadline show, Adrian Wojnarowski and Zach Lowe talked about the Cavaliers big, and Woj dropped the bomb that both the Lakers and LA Clippers are expected to have be looking at Andre Drummond in the buyout market.

"“Andre Drummond, he’s gonna be the crown jewel of that buyout market, by all appearances. Both Los Angeles teams – the Lakers, the Clippers – are expected to have great interest.”"

The question here is: why are the LA Clippers so interested in Andre Drummond? With Serge Ibaka and Ivica Zubac already playing the center position, Drummond would seem to be a luxury, keeping a roster spot from being used on a position of need.

That is, unless the LA Clippers aren’t planning for Ivica Zubac to be playing center for them after the deadline. They haven’t made any indications of such, but it is interesting that players like Malcolm Brogdon and Myles Turner from the Pacers, and Lonzo Ball from the Pelicans, are known to be targets.

Outside of the superstars, who are clearly untouchable, Ivica Zubac is almost certainly the most attractive asset on the LA Clippers. A young center who plays very good defense and is on a team-friendly deal will definitely help some trades get done, if the Clips are willing to offer him up.

Is Ivica Zubac the piece that gets Lonzo Ball to the LA Clippers (either directly or by going to a third team)? It would hurt to lose Zu, but a hypothetical Ball/PG/Kawhi/Morris/Drummond lineup would be a very quality starting five.

To be totally clear, I don’t think the LA Clippers are itching to get rid of Ivica Zubac. There aren’t many bigs who are happy playing the role that Zu plays while being as productive as he is. If a move does happen involving him, it will be a deal that the front office feels like makes them noticeably better.

The Andre Drummond interest tells me that the LA Clippers are at least considering a future where Ivica Zubac isn’t part of the team. That doesn’t mean they’ve decided on it, but they’re clearly preparing for that contingency.

If something does happen, it has to happen soon, as we’re less than 24 hours away from the trade deadline. Be sure to follow along with Clipperholics as we’ll bring you up to the minute discussion on all things LA Clippers!