It’s always best to keep your options open. The same holds true for NBA teams. They need to maintain their optionality – no matter what position they’re in.
The Los Angeles Clippers don’t have much flexibility at the moment. This team is entirely short of draft capital. They have a talented roster, but it’s injury-prone. The path forward for the Clippers is not clear. This team could start over, or, they could stay the course.
By contrast, the Dallas Mavericks have obvious intentions. They’ll be firmly in win-now mode next year. They’re somewhat lacking in flexibility, but, they do have a bit more draft capital than the Clippers. Could they use some of it to acquire Ivica Zubac from them?
The Trade Proposal
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: C Richaun Holmes, 2027 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – DAL)
Dallas Mavericks receive: C Ivica Zubac
With that said, optionality isn’t the only thing that matters in the NBA. Realistically, you only want a range of options so you can eventually choose your course. Once you do, you’re likely to lose that optionality. Just ask the Clippers.
At one time, they had maximum optionality. The Clippers had a deep roster full of easily traded players. They had a burgeoning young star in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Meanwhile, the Clippers had a solid collection of draft picks. Eventually, they’d use that range of options to make a choice. From that moment on, they were out of options.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Ivica Zubac, Los Angeles Clippers & Dallas Mavericks Updates
The Clippers would send Gilgeous-Alexander and a boatload of picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Paul George. This came on the heels of acquiring Kawhi Leonard. We don’t blame the Clippers – the end goal is always to build a team that could compete for the NBA title. With that said, injuries have kept them from accomplishing that goal. Does this deal help their cause?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
Not in an immediate sense. The Clippers are losing the best player in this deal. Zubac is a solid, well-rounded big man who’s become a big part of this team. This isn’t a win-now trade precisely – but it could be part of a bigger plan to win sooner rather than later.
After all, the Clippers are landing a first-round pick here. Sure, it’s protected. This is still a solid trade chip. In time, the Clippers could look to package it with more assets to land a more impactful player than Zubac. On the other hand, if they do decide to blow up their core, they’ll be especially glad to have landed this protected pick.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Ivica Zubac, Los Angeles Clippers & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Meanwhile, Holmes could still be a steady contributor. He’s a similar player to Zubac, even if he’s less impactful across the board. Should the Mavericks part with him, along with a protected first-rounder?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
By contrast, the Mavericks shouldn’t be thinking about blowing up their core. This team rosters a superstar who isn’t even in his prime yet. With Luka Doncic hitting statistical milestones on an annual basis, the Mavericks need to be thinking about the here and now.
What does this team need? They landed Doncic his co-star. He and Kyrie Irving will carry the offense next year. On the other hand, they could use a big man to anchor their defense. Zubac is equipped for the task. He’s an outstanding rim protector who will prevent opponents from scoring against the Mavericks.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Ivica Zubac, Los Angeles Clippers & Dallas Mavericks Updates
Meanwhile, he’s a sneakily good offensive player as well. Zubac is an outstanding screensetter and a solid passer. All told, he’d be a major upgrade to the Mavericks’ rotation – even if they’re losing a little flexibility by landing him.
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