The Los Angeles Clippers have solidified their future by locking in their starting center, Ivica Zubac, with a three-year, $56.8 million contract extension. The agreement, reported by ESPN on Friday, ensures that the 27-year-old Croatian standout will remain a pivotal part of the Clippers’ roster through the 2027-28 season, earning a total of $70 million.
Zubac’s extension represents the maximum offer permissible under the current collective bargaining agreement for a three-year deal, highlighting the Clippers’ confidence in his abilities. During the 2023-24 NBA season, Zubac started in all 68 games he played, averaging 11.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. His impressive field goal percentage of 64.9% underscored his efficiency on the court.
Notably, Zubac achieved the third-highest field goal rate in the league last season, trailing only Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Daniel Gafford of the Dallas Mavericks, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Defensively, he excelled in limiting opponents’ shooting success at the rim to just 49.6%, the best among all players who defended over 200 shots, per Second Spectrum data.
The Clippers concluded the 2023-24 regular season with a strong 51-win record, securing the fourth seed in the Western Conference. However, their playoff run was cut short by the Dallas Mavericks, who defeated them 4-2 in the first round. Zubac’s performance remained stellar throughout the series, as he averaged 16.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, including a significant contribution on the offensive glass.
Zubac’s contract extension signals the Clippers’ commitment to building a competitive team around core players. As the NBA continues to evolve, securing key talents like Zubac positions the Clippers as a formidable contender in the Western Conference. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this move impacts the team’s dynamics in the upcoming seasons.
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Clippers extend Ivica Zubac's contract by 3 years for $56.8 million
cgtn.com
