Ivica Zubac has long been one of the most underrated big men in the NBA, but his impact on the court hasn’t gone unnoticed by his peers. After a dominant 31-point, 29-rebound, 3-assist, and 3-block performance against the Indiana Pacers, the basketball world took notice. Kyle Kuzma tweeted, “Zu one of the most underrated bigs in the league and I’m happy you had a game like that for everyone to see, wow!!!!!” LeBron James quickly backed the sentiment, replying, “FACTS!!! So underrated. ZUUUUUUUUU .”
Zubac’s presence has been crucial for the Clippers, particularly with injuries sidelining stars like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Yet, despite his vital role, he has often flown under the radar. Given his growing importance to the team, it’s worth examining his contract and financial journey, shedding light on how much he has earned and his standing in the league.
Ivica Zubac’s NBA Contracts and Earnings
Zubac’s journey in the NBA began with the Los Angeles Lakers, who selected him as the 32nd overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. His rookie contract was modest, earning him just over $1 million per season. With playing time limited, he made the most of his opportunities before a trade sent him to the Clippers in February 2019.
At just 23 years old, Zubac’s transition to the Clippers marked a turning point in his career. Shortly after joining the team, he signed a three-year, $21 million contract, solidifying his place in the rotation. His impact continued to grow, and on August 6, 2020, he made history by recording 21 points and 15 rebounds on 100% shooting in just 24 minutes against the Dallas Mavericks—becoming the first player in the shot clock era to achieve this stat line in under 30 minutes.
Recognizing his consistent contributions, the Clippers rewarded Zubac with a three-year, $33 million contract extension. Over time, he evolved from a promising young center to a reliable starter, with teammates and coaches increasingly depending on his presence in the paint.
Most recently, on August 30, 2024, Zubac secured another significant payday, signing a three-year, $58.6 million contract extension. This deal ensures he remains with the Clippers through the 2027-28 season, with his salary increasing each year. From an unproven young prospect to one of the league’s most dependable big men, his career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable.
Ivica Zubac’s Net Worth and Career Earnings
While Zubac’s exact net worth isn’t publicly disclosed, his career earnings have surpassed $45.9 million as of the 2023-24 season. This figure includes his salaries from both the Lakers and Clippers, making him one of the more financially secure role players in the league. With his latest contract extension, his total career earnings will continue to rise significantly over the coming years.
Ivica Zubac’s Endorsements
Despite his growing reputation, Zubac hasn’t been heavily involved in endorsements compared to other NBA stars. However, his most notable brand partnership is with Adidas, a deal that dates back to around 2020.
Zubac’s journey to professional basketball began in Čitluk, a small Croatian town with a population of just 5,000. Growing up, he never imagined an NBA career until his cousin, Zoran Planinić, played for the New Jersey Nets, showing him that the dream was possible. Inspired by this, Zubac left home at 14 to hone his craft in Croatia’s capital city, a decision that ultimately set the stage for his NBA career.
Zubac’s path to success wasn’t handed to him. He was just 14 years old when he left home to play basketball in the capital of Croatia, dedicated to perfecting his craft. It wasn’t an easy transition, but the hard work paid off. As he improved, international scouts started noticing him. The tipping point came when Adidas offered him a sponsorship. This deal opened doors, as NBA scouts began attending his games, setting the stage for Zubac’s eventual draft into the NBA.
When Zubac made it to the NBA, brand involvement wasn’t something that followed immediately. As of now, there is one notable brand deal visible on his social media: a partnership with Adidas, a company that he began working with around 2020. This deal stands out as a testament to how Zubac has slowly integrated himself into the world of endorsement deals. Despite his rising NBA career, he remains grounded and focused on his game, making this partnership a unique but significant first step into the business world.
His deal with Adidas highlights the importance of his journey from Čitluk to global recognition. He is also involved with #adidasEurocamp and this for Zubac is a brand partnership, that reminds of that small-town dreams can turn into global achievements. “From there, it picked up. That’s when I was on the NBA draft mock pages. It just motivated me even harder,” he once recalled about his path to the NBA.
In a world full of flashy endorsements and high-profile sponsorships, Zubac’s story is a little different. The future might bring more deals, but for now, his story remains about his game and the inspiration he brings to those from small towns like his own.
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