KAT for Zubac

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KAT for Zubac 

Post#1 » by clippertown » Sun Jun 1, 2025 10:56 pm

Simple trade. KAT for Zubac + Powell + DJJ. No picks - just a straight swap.

Why for NY? They get a more reliable center who is almost equal offensively and better defensively than KAT. They also get Powell who can shore up their scoring and DJJ who is a premier defender. They also save about $5M.

Why for the Clips? KAT is a great center to build around once Kawhi and Harden fall off. For the next season, they can compete because Harden and KAT would be really hard to stop. Clips give DJJ's minutes to Kobe Brown and give Norm's minutes to Dunn and Miller. They get a bit younger.
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Re: KAT for Zubac 

Post#2 » by babyjax13 » Sun Jun 1, 2025 11:01 pm

I think it is interesting in that long-term it keeps New York's finances in check. KAT is better, but Zubac is very good. I think they are owed more, though, and LAC doesn't really have anything to easily bridge that gap.
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Re: KAT for Zubac 

Post#3 » by wemby » Sun Jun 1, 2025 11:05 pm

I think the Clippers are better off keeping their core of high level role players rather than consolidating all that money into one flawed star that is more hype than substance. Besides, KAT will be 30 one month into next season, he's heavy and he's had his fair share of injury issues. The Clippers do need a centerpiece, but KAT isn't it IMO.
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Re: KAT for Zubac 

Post#4 » by facothomas22 » Sun Jun 1, 2025 11:16 pm

A bit much for KAT I would say. He's not worth moving 2 high quality starters and a decent bench player. His defense issues are well documented and with the Clippers big men depth outside of one player, he would be a easy target on defense against quality centers. His contract isn't the greatest neither.
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Re: KAT for Zubac 

Post#5 » by One_and_Done » Sun Jun 1, 2025 11:26 pm

That is quite alot to move for KAT, even though he's the 'best' player in this trade. I doubt either team does it, though arguably the Knicks should.
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Re: KAT for Zubac 

Post#6 » by clippertown » Sun Jun 1, 2025 11:47 pm

The reason I like KAT on the Clippers is because of his outside versatility. The Clippers as they age (even more) need to create more space inside and KAT does that better than Zubac. KAT is also more athletic and Harden loves to both pick and roll and pick and pop. I think this duo could be electric and worth the cost of two highly effective role players like Norm and DJJ. Clips need to consolidate talent, and this trade does the job.

If the Clippers have any hope for the future, they need to start developing their young talent. Brown and Miller need time on the court.
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Re: KAT for Zubac 

Post#7 » by Dadouv47 » Sun Jun 1, 2025 11:55 pm

Zubac is the only GREAT contract for the Clippers salary wise so it would be crazy to trade him. I know Steve Ballmer is willing to spend money but not to that point.

Clippers also value defense way too much for them to commit that much money for KAT but I might be wrong.
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Re: KAT for Zubac 

Post#8 » by zimpy27 » Mon Jun 2, 2025 6:24 am

That's good value actually. I like it for both teams.
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Re: KAT for Zubac 

Post#9 » by Daddy 801 » Mon Jun 2, 2025 8:20 am

If I’m the Clippers I’m keeping Zubac. That’s just my take though.
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Re: KAT for Zubac 

Post#10 » by Captain Ballmer » Mon Jun 2, 2025 9:06 am

Daddy 801 wrote:If I’m the Clippers I’m keeping Zubac. That’s just my take though.

%100. I think Zubac's contract is more valuable than Towns' considering how much they will make next three years. Also adding Norm and DJJ is kinda so bad financially.
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Re: KAT for Zubac 

Post#11 » by taikibansei » Mon Jun 2, 2025 1:53 pm

clippertown wrote:Simple trade. KAT for Zubac + Powell + DJJ. No picks - just a straight swap.

Why for NY? They get a more reliable center who is almost equal offensively and better defensively than KAT. They also get Powell who can shore up their scoring and DJJ who is a premier defender. They also save about $5M.

Why for the Clips? KAT is a great center to build around once Kawhi and Harden fall off. For the next season, they can compete because Harden and KAT would be really hard to stop. Clips give DJJ's minutes to Kobe Brown and give Norm's minutes to Dunn and Miller. They get a bit younger.


The bold is flat out not true. KAT is a far, far better player on offense than Zubac can even dream of becoming. (Seriously, I wish these trade offers could be made without just making up stuff....)

Adding Powell and DJJ make it somewhat interesting. While I personally think KAT doesn't get traded, if it does happen (and no other superstar is involved), I think it will be for something like the OP: a good center plus 2-3 other useful pieces that address additional holes in the lineup.
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Re: KAT for Zubac 

Post#12 » by Mavrelous » Mon Jun 2, 2025 1:56 pm

Seems like Clips are aligning themselves for 27 FA splash, I don't see them changing that for KAT.
Yeah, KAT is a much bigger offensive talent, but he's not making them a contender...
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