Zubac signs 3-year extension with Clippers

Veteran big man Ivica Zubac and the LA Clippers have agreed to a three-year extension worth $58.6 million, the team confirmed on Tuesday.
The agreement, in addition to the last year of his current deal, would put Zubac’s total contract at four years and $70 million.

“Over the past six years, Zu has become a fixture of our team, selfless and dependable,” said Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank. “He is an elite rim protector, screen setter and finisher who has made strides every season. We don’t take for granted that we can pencil in our starting center and defensive anchor every night, every year. Zu is a rock for our organization and will remain so.”
The 27-year-old Zubac, a former second-round pick of the Lakers, is coming off averaging a career-best 11.7 points on 64.9% shooting in addition to 9.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game last season. The 7-foot Croatian’s presence is especially important after backup big man Mason Plumlee departed LA in favor of division rival Phoenix.
After a disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs, the Clippers underwent an offseason rife with change. The franchise, on the verge of beginning a new era in the new Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., was forced to adjust to the departure of All-Star swingman Paul George.
The Clippers did so by pivoting to a plethora of role player signings in his wake. Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, Kris Dunn and Kevin Porter Jr. are some of the newcomers expected to replace the minutes and production left behind by George and Russell Westbrook, who also departed via sign-and-trade.