There's already been some talk of the LA Clippers potentially being a player in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes this summer. But as we consider how number 35 might end up Los Angeles, it's becoming clearer that the Clippers might have to make an unpopular choice and give up Ivica Zubac if they're to add Durant to their roster.
It would certainly hurt Clipper Nation for them to see Zubac walk out the door. He's been an incredibly reliable force over the years in LA, and he really took his game to a new level this past season. Zubac positively dominated on the interior in 2024-25, and was one of the main reasons the Clippers reached the level of team success they did.
And really, Zubac did it in a pretty unconventional way by 2025 standards. In a recent conversation with Brandon Robinson of Lakers Daily, Ivica spoke on his desire to continue playing a style reminiscent of an old school big man. He grew up watching guys like Tim Duncan, and he doesn't have any interest in trying to overcomplicate the way he does things.
It's a breath of fresh air to watch Zubac screen, rebound and protect the rim the way that he does. And that's why it would be that much harder for the Clippers to give him up in a deal for Kevin Durant.
LA may have to deal Zubac in a KD deal
Still, he may be the best bargaining chip the Clippers have, and it feels uncertain whether they'd truly be willing to give him up. Zach Lowe of ESPN recently made this observation when discussing the potential suitors around the league for Durant.
We know that Steve Ballmer is a businessman, and a very good one at that. He wants to build a winning basketball team above all else, but he also wants to make sure the shiny new Intuit Dome is still packed out with fans next year, too.
Make no mistake about it: If the Suns and Clippers are in trade talks regarding Durant, Phoenix is absolutely going to ask about Ivica Zubac's availability at some point. He's one of the best starting centers in the Western Conference, if not the entire NBA.
Whether LA bites on the prospect of adding KD is another question, especially given the potential stakes. They could add an aging Durant, who's admittedly still one of the best scorers in the league, but it would cost them depth, not to mention their beloved center.