When Ivica Zubac fell to the Lakers in the 2nd round, many fans were quick to wonder exactly who the team just grabbed. The 19 year old Croatian has already proven to be a good quote and offers some good humor and exuberance about being taken by the team he grew up rooting for.
The big man also has some game and the Lakers are, reportedly, ready to lock him into a 3 year contract:
Ivica Zubac's contract with the Lakers will be a three-year deal, with two years guaranteed.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) July 5, 2016
It is actually important to note that the Lakers are signing Zubac to a 3-year contract rather than the more often used 2-year contract most 2nd round picks receive. I’ll let salary cap guru Larry Coon explain why the length of the deal matters. From Coon’s Salary Cap FAQ:
Unlike first round picks, who have a scale salary, second round picks do not have any specific salary restrictions. They may sign for any amount from the minimum to the maximum, but players who last to the second round of the draft seldom command more than the minimum salary.
Also unlike first round picks, teams do not receive a salary cap exception specifically for their second round picks. These players must be signed using cap room or an available exception, such as the Minimum Salary exception or the Mid-Level exception. It is most common for a second round pick to receive the minimum salary and be signed using the Minimum Salary exception. However, since the Minimum Salary exception limits contracts to two seasons, it is not uncommon for teams to use a portion of their Mid-Level exception in order to sign the player for three seasons. This gives the team full Bird rights at the end of the contract, and avoids the Gilbert Arenas provision.
The Lakers are very aware of the Gilbert Arenas provision and how that can impact salary structure. The team just avoided dealing with this scenario when inking Jordan Clarkson to his contract outright rather than potentially dealing with Clarkson signing an offer-sheet which could contain back loaded salary which would make matching more difficult.
Also key here is that the Lakers must use cap space to sign Zubac rather than simply using the minimum-exception and being able to go over the cap to sign him. The Lakers still have plenty of cap space so it is not the biggest concern, but it’s a detail worth noting still.
Lastly, I would not outright assume Zubac will just make the rookie minimum on this deal. Zubac undoubtedly has a buyout from his European club and the Lakers are, per Larry Coon’s FAQ, only allowed to contribute $650K that figure. Anything above that amount must be paid by the player himself.
I don’t know what Zubac’s buyout amount is, but, for example’s sake, let’s say it is $1 million. In this example, Zubac would need to contribute $350K from his Lakers’ paycheck. The rookie minimum for this season is $543K. You can see how this type of math does not favor the player.
Remember too that last season Anthony Brown also signed a 3 year contract. His deal was for $2.89 million over those three years, outpacing what his minimum salary would have been by about $175K in his first season. Zubac may yet get this type of deal from the team, especially since they still have ample cap space and because they are getting a team friendly deal from the player where he is signing a 3-year deal with a 3rd year team option where.
In any event, it’s good to get Zubac signed. The Lakers are, reportedly, hoping to get all his overseas paperwork finalized shortly so he can start to practice and play in the team’s summer league games this weekend.
_Craig W says
The Lakers seem to be pretty good at scouting players to be drafted and have been burned by Clarkson, therefore, it seems they want their 2nd round players on a 3yr schedule, before they pay them anything close to market value. With the salary cap again going up next year, I suspect this will play into team planning in future years. GS has gotten lucky with Curry’s injury before his last contract – meaning they have most of their players on less expensive contracts and can bring a Max player to a championship caliber team. In two to three years they are going to be paying for all this ‘luck’ and my guess is their window is not as large as we might otherwise think – barring CBA renegotiation.
The point is that the Lakers are establishing a core team at a reasonable price for 3-4 years – meaning they will have more flexibility to deal for players, or sign free-agents, than would otherwise be the case.
Unlike the 76ers, the Lakers also have distributed their draft players out over all 5 positions and should quickly be developing depth – critical to teams trying to compete. I am optimistic going into 2016/17; even if we don’t make the playoffs, we will be evolving a balanced and functions club.
Mid Wilshire says
I am very hopeful for Zubac. I’ve seen his videos a couple of times and am impressed with his feel for the game as a back-to-the-basket center. He also seems to be fairly mobile (especially when he runs the court) without being necessarily explosive.
I think his biggest challenge will be learning to rebound consistently and defend. The first year or 2 he may play very little. In fact, I expect him to spend a good deal of time in the D League during his first year as he acclimates to life in the big leagues. Also, he needs to grow into his body which is not surprising considering that he’s only 19.
If Zubac becomes a contributor, and possibly even a starter, I think we’ll start to see evidence of that in his 3rd year in the league. We can only hope for the best, even if he’s fairly invisible for the first year or two.
The key is for him to learn, develop, and grow. He could be important to the Lakers’ future in another 2 years. At least I hope so.
fern16 says
Why they were burned by Clarkson? Because he exceded expectations? His contract is more than reasonable and after the next cap spike it will look even more of a bargain. About the Warriors, that window is shorter than people think, Steph contract is going to be humongous when the time comes. They are going to have to make sacrifices.
fern16 says
I do agree they are setting things up quite nicely.
Tra 35 says
Reports surfacing that we have our backup PG .. Jose Calderon
fern16 says
Ok in a trade, but for what?
fern16 says
If it is for Nick Young i be happy as hell but i doubt it. I remember Calderon being on the Lakers radar some years back. And it’s an expiring contract. If i were to guess i would say we traded some future second round pick
Mid Wilshire says
fern16
According to Mike Bresnahan, no other players are involved in the trade. But a future 2nd round draft pick would be involved. Calderon to the Lakers for a future 2nd-rounder. That sounds about right.
Even though I’m not a big Calderon fan, he would be an upgrade over Huertas.
Mid Wilshire says
My bad.
Apparently, the Lakers are RECEIVING a 2nd round draft pick from the Bulls for taking Calderon. the Bulls are desperately trying to clear space to bring on D Wade. Calderon makes about $7 Mill per year.
fern16 says
Suposedly we are getting Calderon and 2 future second round picks. An expiring contract and two picks. Not too shabby…
fern16 says
Make that TWO second rounders.
fern16 says
I guess Wade got tired of being lowballed by Pat Riley…
fern16 says
Dont have a clue how this will work…
TellMyWifeISaidHello says
Probably a guy drafted long ago
fern16 says
Like who? I have no idea…
HaroldSeokohYun says
This is shaping up to be an acceptable summer in terms of signings and picks, although overshadowed by the top getting better. Don’t think we’re close to playoff material but at least we won’t be winning less than last year.
TellMyWifeISaidHello says
Ater majok
fern16 says
Wow lol.
fern16 says
WHO? Lol. Damn there goes the dinasty lol.
A Horse With No Name says
You are correct. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Clarkson’s contract is a deal, as you point out. They could have been burned if Clarkson hit the open market and they were forced to match a bigger deal–I think that’s the salient point implicit in Craig’s comment.
fern16 says
Well he is a 41% 3 point shooter, that doesn’t hurt.
A Horse With No Name says
That’s it. He’s a huge upgrade over Huertas. Lousy defender, but better than Huertas. Where he will help the most is as a shooter. He was a 41% 3 point shooter this season. He’s also a bigger point guard, 6’3″ or 4″, and is a more physical player than Huertas. Smart player and a winner. Will raise the team IQ. Our bench is improving.
bluehill says
Mitch doing work! One of those picks is Denver’s 2017. Next year’s draft is supposed to be pretty deep so that pick could be the best value of the deal.
davis luv says
Now all they need to do is use those 2 2nd round picks to entice someone to take Swaggy off our hands…
Mid Wilshire says
I agree with Fern, Horse, and bluehill. The Lakers are setting things up nicely. They definitely seem to be playing the long game. So far, they’ve accomplished the following:
1) They’ve filled all 5 positions making each one at least 2-deep;
2) They seem to have drafted well (Ingram and Zubac);
3) They’ve brought on two new starters through Free Agency;
4) They’ve re-signed Clarkson and Tarik Black;
5) They’ve acquired a new backup PG and have upgraded that position (last year Calderon shot 45.9% from the field, 41.4% from 3-pt. range, and 87.5% FTs with 4.1 assists);
6) They’ve acquired veteran players, Deng and Calderon, who can serve as mentors for some of the younger players (namely Brandon Ingram and D’Angelo Russell) while contributing on the court themselves; and
7) They’ve acquired additional assets (Calderon’s expiring contract + 1 or 2 2nd-round draft picks).
Whatever controversies may linger over the length of Mozgov’s and Deng’s contracts (4 years may be the new normal), on balance I would say that Mitch and company have done a strong job of managing the Draft and Free Agency period.
Now let’s see how quickly the young kids develop.
P.S. One other item: the Lakers have a new coaching staff. For a young team, that should not be insignificant.
_Craig W says
A Horse With No Name
What I meant was that a 2yr contract left them with a larger payment if the 2nd round choice worked out. Clarkson did and they had to pony up more in the 3rd year – even if it is considered a very good deal. Had they signed him to 3yrs in the beginning – and had more confidence in their scouting – he would still be on his rookie deal this coming year. They didn’t repeat this mistake on the next two 2nd round choices (last year and this). Now they get an additional year from each of them before they hit the market.
_Craig W says
Mid Wilshire
Sounds a bit like Marc Gasol was after he was drafted.
LT Mitchell says
Another defensive beast to add to the already formidable defensive trio of Russell, Clarkson and Lou. Be afraid NBA backcourts around the league, be very afraid!
At least we have Walton to teach our guards how to play defense.
Clay Bertrand says
LT Mitchell
LMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!! He’s Spanish…..he has Matador Defense IN HIS BLOOD!!! lol……..
Toro! Toro!!!
_Craig W says
LT Mitchell
Before we complain about the defense, we should be thankful that the team is being assembled the way it is – see Mid Wilshire below.
First we have to get the coaching staff together, develop some chemistry with the players, then establish roles. All of this will be easier on offense. Those expecting us to develop a contending team over the summer are going to be sorely disappointed. It is a process and it takes time – unavoidably. We are actually well along in this, as we have had 3 good drafts to work from.
Joe Kerr says
Even though I got a good laugh at what LT Mitchell said below, I think this trade is fine. If the Lakers indeed traded the rights to a random player for Jose Calderon (whose contract expires next year) and 2 second round picks, then this is okay.
I just hope the young guys do not emulate Jose’s matador defense…
new rr says
_Craig W LT Mitchell
The Calderon deal is fine, especially with the picks coming,
and it is opportunistic work by the front office. But the guy is 34 years old
and has always been a bad defensive player. As I have said to Craig each summer
and fall for the last three years when he has posted his usual optimistic
pronouncements: players have track records, aging curves, and skillsets. You
can’t change them into something they are not by making generalizations about
roles and coaching and saying vague stuff about chemistry, and 65-181 is a great
piece of evidence to support that statement. Will Walton help the team D? Sure,
almost certainly. But Calderon is who he is at this point in his career.
Also, no one here that I have seen has come close to
suggesting that the Lakers are putting together a contender. But with the additions of the veterans, one big
argument between now and when play starts will probably be whether the team can
make the playoffs.
I think that the FO is making these moves with one eye on
trying to get up into the low 40s in wins; I do not think it is all about the
kids as many have asserted. We will see
how it plays out on the floor.
Altemawa says
who did we lose for Calderon?
he’s a vet PG who knows how to run half-court plays. he’s not known for his defense, but makes it up in offense with his midrange shot. overall a very good pickup + expiring contract*.
i cant believe Wade left Miami. i am thinking they’re preparing for next years superfriends team in NYK – Melo, Lebron, CP3 and Wade. but that cant handle us Lakers.. haha
kidding aside, this CBA has not done anything to create a very competitive league of stars. generations of stars today only values 1 thing, win a ring at all cost. thats not bad, but the balance should be put in there to have a competitive league. thats tough though.
Clay Bertrand says
Not that I think it matters (except obviously to Zubac) but I don’t think his buy out is going to be a big deal necessarily because if he has one at all, its gotta be nominal.
Here’s why:
Zubac was born in Serbia but is a naturalized Croatian Citizen. After leaving his Croatian League team Cibona Zagreb due to a payment dispute last season, he moved across town to another team in the same league but was barred from playing there by the governing authority of the Croatian League (related to the timing of his transfers supposedly and whether Cibona still maintained his league rights etc.).
With intentions to come to the NBA (I’m not sure the date he declared for the draft), his agent had to get him on the floor somewhere ASAP. He needed a team and he really needed to get to one where he could play and get some exposure to NBA teams. So his agent (Misko something or other is the guys name) got him on with the Serbian team Mega Leks of the Adriatic League (so no issue with the Croatian League).
My understanding is that this team is partially owned and/or controlled by this same Serbian Agent that represents many of the best (especially Eastern) Euro basketball players including Zubac (at least, he is his Int’l agent–I believe he is also affiliated domestically with Excel Sports who are Zubac’s licensed NBA Agents). I think Luwawu was on this team as well. Its a team mostly full of clients of BeoBasket Sports Agency so its like a glorified AAU team that plays in a pro league. At any rate, I believe Zubac only played like 9 games or something for them.
I doubt very seriously under this scenario that he would have a buyout from his own Agent’s team. If in fact he does have one, I would think it would be very minimal. I could be wrong of course. But I’d be surprised to see him have to fork over a chunk of his salary to complete the buy out.
Oddly, most of Zubac’s most influential on the court work came in the U19 Tournaments. Supposedly, when playing against the US, he was considered a big difference maker off the bench against the American front court guys and he made the game close.
I’m really anxious to see him. Friday is gonna be great!!! A little sip of the new Lakers!!!!!!
Also, not a bad pick up with Calderon today (even if he couldn’t cover a dime if he stepped on one). Because of the way he was acquired, I believe Mitch could trade him immediately. If we could get a 2nd Rounder for him (hypothetically), we’d have 3 second round picks outta thin air nada!!!!!!!!! Not that 2nd rounders are gold or even silver but when you ain’t got nothin in the vault, even some BRONZE is nice to get…..
Clay Bertrand says
new rr _Craig W LT Mitchell
new rr, I think its just that people have such a tiny amount of belief in the FO that when they can actually see any logic in their moves, they tend to express almost a surprised relief. Lol……
It is indeed an opportune move. We had some cap space and are still trying when possible to backfill the traded away picks here and there (altho we have’t netted any 1st rounders…).
I don’t think the FO thinks Luol Deng, Calderon and Mozzy are going to push the team toward 40 wins. If they did, they’d have kept Byron around to let them play more than the kids looking at wins over development.
I’m not predicting anything record wise much less saying we will be contenders or in the hunt for the playoffs. But I think the moves being made really are more toward adding some Veteran Ballast to a very young core.
If we see many Calderon, Deng, Mozgov, Lou Williams and DeAngelo Russell line ups now……..THEN I’d say I smell a rat and these guys aren’t all in on a rebuild.
I’m betting their ratings improve this season too. FOR SURE initially but I think they’ll bounce back. I think people want to see the youth movement and get excited about something even if it isn’t a huge jump in the standings.
_ Robert _ says
Calderon: Taking salary dumps (this one to make room for Wade) with incoming picks is something I said we should be doing all along (unless you can get youthful talent). So this deal (in spite of his age is good because we get picks and the deal is short (as contrasted with other deals).
Mozgov/Deng: Based on some other signings, I hardly see these as bargains. As rr states below, I also question whether these deals are really good for the long term, or more of a strategy to get the win total up right now (hopefully they do that). The goal is to win titles and we should not delay that for short term win totals.
Msway says
I like the picks, But the age and style of the player surprises me.1 I dont know to much about this dude and thought that huertos was coming back for sure. 2 was still thinking we could get something from up north, or out of boston that was younger that could move our talent up at the 3 or stretch 4.I could be wrong and it definetly,sounds like mitch is working on stuff. Who knows, maybe someone else is looking to dump something we can fit nick into?Or maybe this Calderon can help us?Not clear on this.
Clay Bertrand says
Msway
1.) Calderon is a better NBA player than Huertas if for no other reason than he can hit the three ball at a decent clip.
2.) We took him on for his age, his expiring deal, we need a vet back up PG, AND they GAVE us 2 2nd round picks to take him into our available cap space.
3.) It was a salary dump by the Bulls so it wasn’t like we had our pick of trading for a PG and we gave up NOTHING. We could even trade him again for another pick if we had a taker (Brooklyn was trying to get him too).
More of an opportunistic pick up for a totality of reasons than a situation where this is a guy we targeted who will be here long term and really move the needle for this team.
Clay Bertrand says
_ Robert _
I would never argue that the Mozzy/Deng deals are “BARGAINS” by any measure. To me, these are just guys we need during this transition/rebuild. Nothing more. These are SUPPORTING players. I don’t think anyone expects them to carry the team or be the difference makers. In the long run, its the kids we want to start to make strides and relegate these guys to Veteran Role Players.
That’s the HOPE at least and that’s why Luke is the coach and not some veteran retread.
new rr says
Clay Bertrand new rr _Craig W LT Mitchell
Clay,
There was basically no way they could keep Scott, whether they are all in on a rebuild or are trying for a quick fix, or some of both, especially with Walton available. Scott’s personality and track record made retaining him untenable. Also, while Walton is very young for a coach, I think most people believe that he can help the team to win more games than an average coach, much less
As to the Deng and Mozgov deals: the KBros, as noted, took a pretty optimistic view of the deals, saying that playing with guys like Deng and Mozgov will have immense value for the young guys. My take: it had better, because
1) I think “veteran ballast” is overrated. The Lakers had Bass, Hibbert, Kobe, Young, Williams, Metta, and Huertas on the team last year and went 17-65.
2) 136M is a lot to pay for mentoring.
So, I think the FO probably expects these two guys to have a very large and positive on-court impact.
Msway says
Clay Bertrand Msway Cool it looks like a good deal and smart move for us, Lets get some Wins
matt24 says
I’m just glad we got a new player, makes it more interesting, it’s not like we are a contender, caulderon was probably the worst starting point guard last year, but he would be an above adverage bench player
Fulofunk says
Thanks for the info on Zubac. I am very excited to see this kid play this weekend.