Ivica Zubac in the Celtics’ Sights: Boston Ready to Pay Premium Price

Despite a difficult start to the season for the LA Clippers (6-21), Ivica Zubac continues to attract interest across the NBA. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers are among the teams most interested in the 28-year-old center.

Interest in Zubac had reached its peak during the Clippers’ terrible start, but has somewhat cooled since Los Angeles won seven of its last eight games. Nevertheless, the Celtics remain on the lookout for an opportunity to strengthen their interior.

The Celtics and Pacers have shown interest in Ivica Zubac, per @MikeAScotto

« Among the notable teams to express interest in trading for Zubac were the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics, HoopsHype has learned. Dating back from last season through Monday, Zubac is having the best… pic.twitter.com/5SaDd5mw2O

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 6, 2026

A High but Justified Price for an All-Defensive Center

The Clippers don’t intend to sell their star player cheap: « it would have taken at least two first-round draft picks » for Los Angeles to agree to part with Zubac during previous negotiations.

This high valuation is explained by the Croatian’s exceptional performances. A member of the All-Defensive Second Team last season and a finalist for Most Improved Player, Zubac is averaging impressive numbers of 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 1 block per game. His defensive statistics are particularly remarkable: he ranks in the 98th percentile for deterrence and rim protection and in the 94th percentile for rim disruption.

For Boston, currently third in the Eastern Conference with a 23-12 record, Zubac would represent a considerable upgrade at the center position. While Neemias Queta has exceeded expectations with 10.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, adding the Clippers’ center would instantly transform the Celtics into legitimate title contenders.

Acquiring Zubac would require Boston to part with salaries like Anfernee Simons or Sam Hauser, in addition to the draft picks demanded by the Clippers. With a contract of $18.1 million in 2025-2026 and an average of $20 million through 2027-2028, Zubac represents a reasonable investment for an ambitious franchise. With the trade deadline set for Thursday, February 5, discussions could intensify in the coming weeks.