4. Ivica Zubac
Zubac was on the trade block this summer, but the franchise could not find a suitable deal. He is set to make $10.9 million this season and $11.7 million in 2024-25. Having a rim-rolling big man is a bit more important with Harden on their roster, but do not be surprised to see the Clippers dangle the seven-footer before the deadline.
Finding minutes for a traditional center is becoming harder as more big men stretch the floor. Zubac played 26 minutes per game in the playoffs last season but was down to 17.7 during their 2021 run to the conference finals. Teams will attack Zubac or Harden in the playoffs, and head coach Tyronn Lue may be forced to put his seven-footer on the bench to stop the bleeding.
The Clippers have a couple of mid-tier salaries, which will help them in the trade market. Can they package two players for an upgrade? Mason Plumlee could take over at the five, assuming he has recovered from his knee injury.
LA could go small in the playoffs, but it would mean relying on P.J. Tucker to play center. The veteran has struggled since joining the Clippers and could be on the move if he cannot right the ship.