The Los Angeles Clippers have reached an agreement with center Ivica Zubac on a three-year contract extension worth $58.6 million, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Zubac, 27, is entering his ninth season in the NBA.
Last season, he played in 68 games, averaging 11.7 points on 64.9 percent shooting, along with 9.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per contest. Prior to this extension, Zubac had one year remaining on his contract, valued at $11.74 million. The new deal now secures his place on the team through the 2027-28 season, effectively giving him a four-year, $70 million contract.
Ivica Zubac emerged as a standout at center
Zubac has emerged as one of the NBA’s best rim protectors as the anchor of the Clippers’ defense. He held offensive opponents to 49.6% shooting at the rim last season, which was the most efficient among all players who defended at least 200 shot attempts.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ivica Zubac, Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Zubac has become a highly efficient paint finisher as a cutter, roll man, and on outbacks after grabbing offensive rebounds. He’s become a reliable post-up threat to punish mismatches, making him an intriguing well-rounded big man in the modern era. In the Clippers’ first-round playoff series, this was on display, averaging 16.2 points in the series. He trailed only Rudy Gobert and Daniel Gafford in regular season field goal percentage after shooting 65%.
Clippers’ financial landscape going forward
Despite the new extension, the Clippers’ payroll for the 2024-25 season remains unchanged at $170.2 million. The NBA salary cap for the 2024-25 season is set at $140.6 million.
The Clippers are projected to stay under the luxury tax threshold of $170.8 million and below the first apron, which is set at $178.1 million. Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, the team could have up to $126.9 million in committed salary. This figure assumes that James Harden exercises his $36.3 million player option, though Harden may choose to enter free agency instead.
Other players with uncertain contract situations for that season include Nic Batum, who has a $4.9 million player option, Kobe Brown with a $2.7 million team option, and Kevin Porter Jr. with a $2.5 million player option. If all those players opt to stay with their current deals, the Clippers’ payroll for the 2025-26 season could total approximately $146.4 million.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ivica Zubac, Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Looking further ahead, the Clippers currently have only three players under contract for the 2026-27 season following Paul George’s departure to the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency: Kawhi Leonard at $50.3 million, Derrick Jones Jr. at $10.5 million, and Zubac.
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