Toronto Raptors free agency: 4 Khem Birch replacements to sign
By Mike Luciano
2. Ivica Zubac, Los Angeles Clippers
Zubac has a club option that the Clippers could be inclined to pick up, but the possibility of ditching him to bring in a bigger name might appeal to Lawrence Frank. If Zubac even sniffs the open market, the Raptors need to blow up his phone and give him a very hard sell.
Zubac has started nearly every game for the Clippers, averaging 10.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per game in that span. While not a shooter at all, making 62% of his shots during his Clippers tenure is more than enough evidence to conclude that he can score inside.
Toronto Raptors free agency. Ivica Zubac could be the Sixth Man.
Defensively, Zubac can hold his own. While not a Defensive Player of the Year type of player, he should be an improvement over what Toronto currently has. If they need to switch the starting lineup around and put Zubac in at the center spot, that could help them get more immediate returns on both ends.
If Zubac hits free agency, he’s doing to demand eight figures in annual salary. Toronto has not been shy about splashing the cash if they find a player that fits what they want to do schematically. Zubac would be a major difference-maker in an Eastern Conference loaded with young centers.