Celtics offered disrespectful trade package to Clippers for center Ivica Zubac

The Boston Celtics’ frontcourt is far from subpar. 

Neemias Queta and Luka Garza are serviceable low-post-oriented centers who have helped the Boston Celtics remain in competition for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. 

That said, there are better big men across the league, leading many to speculate that the Celtics would attempt to find an upgrade before the Feb. 5 trade deadline. According to a recent report, the Celtics did just that, offering the Los Angeles Clippers a disrespectful trade package for their highly skilled 7-foot center. 

“When the Clippers were struggling with a 6-21 record to begin the season, the Celtics inquired about an exploratory framework around (Anfernee) Simons, a first-round pick, and a future first-round pick swap for Ivica Zubac and salary filler, which didn’t gain any traction, league sources told HoopsHype,” HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported Wednesday. 

While the draft capital may have gauged the Clippers interest, Simons clearly didn’t, which isn’t surprising in the slightest. The former Portland Trail Blazers star isn’t having the type of season that screams ‘high value trade asset’. 

Simons is averaging 13.9 points per game on 43.6% field goal shooting and 38.9% three-point shooting in 48 games with the Celtics this season.

Why would the Clippers feel compelled to trade their double-double machine and highly efficient 28-year-old big man for a guard who isn’t a hot commodity on the trade market?

It isn’t far-fetched to suggest Los Angeles made the right decision to decline the Celtics’ offer, considering they’ve won 16 of their last 20 games and are back in the playoff picture with Zubac controlling the paint.

More NBA: Warriors predicted to 'screw' Lakers by trading for $175 million Bucks star, NBA champion