While championships are of immense value to NBA players, rightfully so, as attaining one is the ultimate goal, many have dreams of leaving a legacy in one city for most of their career. These aspirations follow in the footsteps of Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan as some of the more notable names to play for one team throughout 15-plus seasons.
However, with the way the business is in the modern era NBA, players are finding it more difficult than ever to stay with one team. Sometimes, it comes down to loyalty, as several superstars are prone to chasing rings, but in rare cases, such as Luka Doncic's, front offices elect to part ways for reasons beyond success.
Furthermore, Doncic, coming off an NBA Finals run, envisioned his career unfolding identically to Dirk Nowitzki's but was traded most shockingly at the 2025 trade deadline. This sent a league-wide notice to the best of talents that no matter what is accomplished, no job is safe.
For most guys on the LA Clippers, a similar concept applies. The front office, directed by Executive Lawrence Frank, will continually look to upgrade and improve in response to necessary changes. Yet, LA does think of their 28-year-old center, Ivica Zubac, as one who they want to retire in Inglewood, California, and if the latest rumors are true, his wishes, just like any other star, would be granted.
The LA Clippers view Ivica Zubac as arguably the only untouchable on the team, which is exactly what the fans want
Despite being teammates with two legends in Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, the LA Clippers likely consider Ivica Zubac as the most un-tradeable one of the three. Sure, the ages of Leonard and Harden may be a factor, but to a certain degree, it speaks volumes about how elite Zubac is.
In Jake Fischer's latest, he confirms that the Clippers' front office does not want to be separated from Zubac. This is more closely correlated with a potential Kevin Durant trade with the Suns, suggesting that Lawrence Frank will say no if Phoenix decides to only accept an exchange if the Croatian star is included.
Fans want Zubac in red, white, and blue for as many seasons as possible, so it must be a major sign of relief for the big man knowing the front office feels the same way, especially with how the business of the game has come along.