Predicting when every member of Clippers' starting 5 might leave

Ivica Zubac

Perhaps the most underrated member of the Clippers' starting unit, Ivica Zubac has been an absolute rock for LA ever since his arrival to the team in 2019. Zubac has played in Los Angeles for the entirety of his NBA career, but most fans know the first two and a half of those seasons were spent across the hallway with the Lakers. Not valuing his services as much as they probably should have, the Lake Show dealt him away in a deal they have now largely come to regret.

The Lakers have basically been looking for a second reliable big to put next to Anthony Davis ever since. Zubac's play has been monumental for the Clippers all through the years, and the best part of his story is that he has only continued to get better while in a Clipper uniform. This past season, Zubac put up a career-best 11.7 points while shooting 64% from the floor and pulling down 9.2 rebounds per game.

He is currently headed into the final year of his current deal where he will be owed $11.7 million. The Clippers have their finances to think about, but if Paul George leaves town, there could be a reasonable expectation for Zubac to re-sign next summer with a slight pay increase. I would guess the Clippers may try to lock him down for an additional three seasons until the end of the 2027-28 year.