To be able to win, even when Ivica Zubac is not on the court, the LA Clippers need another center with the same type of skillset. Of course, there is not an identical match, as Zubac is one-of-one, but around the league, there are big men who can finish, rebound, and protect the paint.
This style of play is extremely valuable right now, and those who can dominate without the ball, like Zubac, are highly regarded in the market. Thus, most teams with big men like this are hesitant to make a hasty decision and part ways, regardless of what the return provides.
Moreover, the one center who was rumored to be in trade talks is the Toronto Raptor star Jakob Poeltl. He is coming off the best year of his career, similar to Zubac, and may be moved for the right price.
This season, Poeltl played 57 games and averaged 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, shooting 62.7% from the field in 29.6 minutes per game. These numbers are with him starting, and although he would be on the bench in LA, he has provided Tyronn Lue with a glimpse of how much he can produce in his late 20's.
However, within one of 'The Stein Line' recent pieces, Poeltl's availability this summer was essentially shut down completely, as the Raptors may look to extend him rather than seeing him star in a role elsewhere.
The LA Clippers have no shot at landing Jakob Poeltl, as the Toronto Raptors did not want to trade him for Kevin Durant
For Jakob Poeltl of the Toronto Raptors, the LA Clippers could have shipped Norman Powell, Kris Dunn, and picks, which is an enticing offer from all angles.
The Raptors would employ their heart-warming champion, along with one of the best defensive guards in the league, who fits the Toronto culture with franchise wings Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, and Gradey Dick.
On the contrary, 'The Stein Line' has reported that the Raptors were not tuned in to the idea of trading Poeltl for Kevin Durant, let alone a package centered around Powell. Instead, they are entertaining the idea of keeping him long-term. This update diminishes any chance the Clippers have with Poeltl unless Ivica Zubac is involved, which is unlikely to happen.
In the end, the LA Clippers' search for a potent backup center continues, but it could be solved through next week's draft.