If Paul George declines his player option and seeks a max deal elsewhere, then the Clippers don't have a path towards contention. In this case, then Zubac would be a desirable trade target for teams seeking a starting center.
The Thunder and Suns are both teams that should look for another option at center.
Nurkic was overall better than people probably remember this past season, but I think the Suns will likely look to move on from him after just one season because of his inability to space the floor as either a three point threat or lob target on offense and his inability to move his feet on defense. Zubac is a more traditional big who can rim run on PNR, he can consistently finish from the dunker's spot for the Suns elite isolation scorers, and he is a more flexible defensive choice. Furthermore, the Suns are able to pick up a wing stopper who has gotten lost in the Thunder's rotation. Kenrich Williams is a bit undersized for what the Suns should be looking for, but beggars can't be choosers.
Why don't the Thunder just trade for Zubac instead of involving the Suns as a part of a three team trade? Zubac is younger, makes less money, and is likely better than Nurkic. I think that's a reasonable opinion, but I am a Suns fan, so I am looking at trades that involve the Suns. There are actual basketball reasons that could make the Thunder prefer Nurkic though. Nurkic is a great passer for the center position which puts a lot of stress on the defense when paired with an elite scorer like Shai as demonstrated by how a Devin Booker/Jusuf Nurkic pick and roll was one of the most efficient plays in basketball this past season on a per possession basis. Furthermore, Nurkic is one of the best rebounders in the league. Nurkic was 2nd in defensive rebounds per possession last season behind only Andre Drummond and was 4th in rebounds per possession overall. This was an area of concern for the Thunder, and one in which Nurkic is far better than Zubac.
Do you think this basis for a trade has any legs? Who needs more draft compensation?