Ivica Zubac’s Slow Start Leaves Clippers Regretful Over Missed Durant Trade
Despite a disappointing beginning to the season, the Los Angeles Clippers are now regretting a major decision involving their center, Ivica Zubac. The team had the opportunity to include him in a potential offseason trade for Kevin Durant, which could have drastically reshaped their current trajectory.
Clippers’ Cautious Approach
Concerns about Zubac’s age and how many top-level years he had left made the Clippers wary of sending him away. They believed the 28-year-old Croatian could maintain consistency and recover quickly from any downturn, so declining the trade initially seemed reasonable.
Unexpected Decline
However, Zubac's performance has sharply declined. His reduced size has limited his ability to dominate inside, resulting in fewer rebounds, post-ups, and the diminished interior presence that once defined his game. His lack of energy and impact has left the Clippers with new questions about his long-term role.
Durant’s Success Elsewhere
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant has been thriving with the Houston Rockets. At 37, his scoring remains elite, and his transition from the Phoenix Suns has gone smoothly, silencing any doubts about his production dropping off.
“In June, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported interest from the Phoenix Suns in 28-year-old Ivica Zubac, but the LA Clippers were firm that his home would be in Los Angeles.”
Missed Opportunity
The Clippers are now reflecting on their refusal to trade Zubac for Durant, a choice that could have brought one of the league’s greatest offensive forces to Los Angeles. Their commitment to keeping Zubac, once seen as loyalty, is now seen as a miscalculation.
Author’s summary: The Clippers’ decision to keep Ivica Zubac over trading for Kevin Durant has backfired, as Zubac’s decline and Durant’s Houston resurgence highlight a costly missed opportunity.
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