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New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown during a game against the Miami Heat in December 2025<\/p>\n
The New York Knicks<\/a> have officially hit a rough patch.<\/p>\n After the loss to the Golden State Warriors<\/a>, New York has lost seven of its last nine games and dropped to third in the Eastern Conference at 25-16.<\/p>\n What looked like a sustainable run as one of the East\u2019s elite teams has suddenly become shaky. Jalen Brunson<\/a> is missing time. The supporting cast has been inconsistent. And the frontcourt depth behind Karl-Anthony Towns<\/a> remains a concern.<\/p>\n With the February 5 trade deadline approaching, one proposal has emerged that could solve New York\u2019s frontcourt problems in a major way.<\/p>\n SNY\u2019s David Vertsberger<\/a> floated a blockbuster trade idea that would bring an elite big man to the Knicks.<\/p>\n The Trade Pitch for New York<\/p>\n Knicks receive: Ivica Zubac<\/a><\/p>\n Clippers receive: Mitchell Robinson<\/a>, Guerschon Yabusele<\/a>, 2026 Wizards<\/a> protected first-round pick, 2032 Knicks first-round pick<\/p>\n The price is steep. Two first-round picks. Robinson and Yabusele. That represents a significant investment for a center who is not necessarily a star.<\/p>\n But New York\u2019s recent losing streak has exposed vulnerabilities.<\/p>\n The backcourt has been solid when healthy. The frontcourt depth behind Towns has not. Robinson has been unavailable for stretches. When he has played, he has not been the same dominant presence. Yabusele has regressed, and his trade value has dropped significantly.<\/p>\n Zubac would solve that problem. He is reliable. Productive. Experienced. He has played meaningful playoff minutes and knows what it takes to contribute on a winning team.<\/p>\n The LA Clippers have received calls from various teams on Ivica Zubac and Derrick Jones Jr., per @sam_amick<\/a>. <\/p>\n (via t.co\/z8qINywsCk<\/a>) <\/p>\n Why Ivica Zubac Fits the Knicks<\/p>\n Zubac is coming off a career year.<\/p>\n He averaged 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks on 63% shooting<\/a> last season. Made All-Defensive Second Team. Had a case to be an All-Star. He started slower this year but has returned to form recently.<\/p>\n Zubac would give Brunson his first real dynamic roll threat since Isaiah Hartenstein<\/a> left. He screens hard. Dives to the rim. Reads defenses well. His low-post scoring adds another dimension that Robinson does not provide.<\/p>\n The fit alongside Towns would also be seamless. Towns operates on the perimeter, which opens space for Zubac in the paint. Zubac\u2019s defensive presence would complement Towns\u2019 offensive versatility. His rim protection would stabilize the defense when Towns needs rest.<\/p>\n New York has struggled with frontcourt consistency all season. Robinson\u2019s injury history makes him hard to trust. Yabusele has regressed after a strong start. The Knicks need someone who can contribute immediately without question marks.<\/p>\n Zubac fits that description.<\/p>\n Your Knicks go from 2nd to barely out of 4th <\/p>\n Why the Clippers Might Move Him<\/p>\n The Los Angeles Clippers<\/a> have little incentive to trade Zubac unless the return is strong.<\/p>\n The Croatian has been a steady contributor for years. But the package includes two first-round picks, and the Clippers are in a position where long-term assets could be valuable.<\/p>\n If Los Angeles decides to retool rather than rebuild, this package gives them assets without taking on long-term salary. The Clippers have been competitive but are not close to contention. Moving Zubac for future picks could make sense if they decide to shift direction.<\/p>\n Final Word for the Knicks<\/p>\n The Knicks are struggling. The deadline is approaching.<\/p>\n Ivica Zubac would address their most glaring need. The price is high, but the Knicks are built to win now. Giving up future assets for present help is part of that approach.<\/p>\n If Los Angeles is willing to listen, New York should seriously consider making the move.<\/p>\n Zubac is not a superstar. But he is exactly the type of player who could stabilize a rotation and help the Knicks get back on track.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tKeith Watkins<\/a> Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Knicks\n\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\tLoading more stories\n\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t