The Boston Celtics are in prime position heading into the 2026 NBA trade deadline on February 5—no major injuries derailing their season, a deep roster, and elite guard/wing play from stars like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. Yet, as contenders, they’re not standing pat. With Neemias Queta holding down the starting center spot admirably (averaging around 10.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 24 minutes), the front office is actively hunting for a more dominant interior presence to push them over the top in the loaded Eastern Conference. Enter Ivica Zubac, the Los Angeles Clippers’ starting center who’s suddenly one of the hottest trade assets in the league.
Per ClutchPoints insider Brett Siegel, widespread interest surrounds the 28-year-old Croatian big man, with at least five teams—including the Celtics, Indiana Pacers, and Charlotte Hornets—inquiring about his availability during the Clippers’ earlier struggles. LA has rejected offers so far, holding firm on a steep asking price: multiple first-round picks for Zubac, their most valuable trade chip. One team floated an unprotected first-round pick plus a pick swap, but talks went nowhere. The Clippers believe Zubac’s value justifies the haul, especially with his contract ($18.1 million this season, two more years at reasonable rates) providing team-friendly control.
Zubac’s production this 2025-26 season backs up the hype. Through 37 games (36 starts), he’s averaging 14.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and nearly a block per game on an elite 60.5% field goal shooting. He’s posted 18 double-doubles (some reports note up to 21 in recent tallies), trailing only Karl-Anthony Towns (around 29) and Nikola Jokic (28) among centers. His efficiency inside, rebounding tenacity, and rim protection make him a perfect fit for Boston’s switch-heavy, defense-first identity.
Why does Zubac make so much sense for the Celtics? The team sits as the No. 2 seed in the East (around 27-16 or similar strong record in recent updates, behind Detroit’s hot start), defying expectations without Jayson Tatum fully healthy or dominant throughout. Brown’s scoring and White’s two-way brilliance have carried them, but adding a reliable double-double machine like Zubac would address any lingering frontcourt questions. Queta has been solid as a starter, but Zubac brings more polish: better finishing, veteran savvy, and All-Defensive-level potential (he’s earned nods in the past). Pairing him with Boston’s scrappy defenders would create nightmares for opponents in the paint and on the boards—ideal for a championship-caliber squad eyeing another deep playoff run.
The Eastern Conference race for Zubac is intensifying. The Pacers (dealing with Tyrese Haliburton injuries and a dip in form) see him as a long-term building block. The Hornets’ interest is intriguing, especially after earlier links involving LaMelo Ball to LA—suggesting cross-conference maneuvering. Boston, as clear buyers with assets like Anfernee Simons (expiring deal), Sam Hauser, and future picks, could craft a compelling package. An unprotected first-rounder might be the starting point, though LA wants more to part with their anchor.
Deadline drama is ramping up—rumors swirl about Zubac potentially staying put if no monster offer arrives, or even a reunion angle with former teammates. For Celtics fans, this could be the splash move that solidifies their status as East favorites. GM Brad Stevens has the pieces to make it happen without gutting the core. Will Boston meet the price, or pivot to other targets like Nikola Vucevic or even Al Horford in a surprise twist? The next two weeks will tell. Celtics Nation, stay locked in—this trade window could deliver the frontcourt upgrade to chase Banner 19.