Last summer, executive Lawrence Frank and the LA Clippers' front office pulled off one of their most incredible stunts in franchise history. They worked out a three-year, $58.6 million extension with star center Ivica Zubac. This move was quiet, yet extremely notable, as LA had one of the most reliable centers in the league locked in for the next few seasons.
However, at the moment, the Clippers likely did not think of Zubac to be the top-five center he is today. He was strong, durable, and capable of great things, but this season, he proved himself to be a name to watch in the All-Star voting next February.
Zubac showed up for 80 games and averaged 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, shooting 62.8% from the field. Not only was he dominating, but the Croatian star was also making endless memories as he recorded countless career highs and his first triple-double.
Originally, it was difficult to put into perspective the value he brought to the Clippers in relation to his salary and production. Many knew it was top-notch, but what solidified this belief is the latest extension of Daniel Gafford, a young, dominant, two-way center for the Dallas Mavericks.
Daniel Gafford's recent extension agreed to by the Dallas Mavericks portrays how fortunate the LA Clippers are with Ivica Zubac
On the evening of yesterday, June 23, 2025, Shams Charania reported that Daniel Gafford, one of the most heavily sought-after big men on the market, came to a middle ground with the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year extension worth close to $60 million.
This is exciting news for Dallas, as Gafford is an elite, underrated center who averaged 12.3 points and 6.8 rebounds in 57 games last season, shooting 70.2% from the field. His numbers could increase next season, making his contract more appealing, as the Mavericks will need more offense with Kyrie Irving missing time due to a torn ACL.
However, the figures of Gafford's extension look familiar to what Ivica Zubac received last season. Gafford is great, but Zubac is on a few tiers above, as he can create his shot and is much more of an anchor on defense.
Yet, somehow, both are being paid nearly the same amount of money. This is more so capitalizing on how underpaid Zubac is when also factoring in availability above all else rather than an overpay on the Mavericks' end.