The Indiana Pacers have completed a significant trade, acquiring center Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers. In return, the Pacers sent forth Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, along with two first-round picks and one second-round pick, as confirmed by the Clippers on Thursday night.
This strategic move allows Indiana to solidify its frontcourt following the offseason departure of center Myles Turner. Currently holding a record of 13-38, the Pacers find themselves among the league’s struggling teams, but the addition of Zubac could lay the groundwork for future success. Zubac, who is set to turn 29 next month, has been impressive this season, averaging 14 points, 11 rebounds, and shooting an efficient 61%. Notably, he is under contract until the end of the 2027-28 season, which positions him as a long-term asset for the team. His partnership with star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who is recovering from an Achilles injury, will be a crucial element once Haliburton returns next season.
In the deal, Indiana has also acquired third-year guard Kobe Brown. The Clippers, on the other hand, will benefit from the acquisition of a protected 2026 first-round pick from the Pacers, as well as an unprotected Pacers first-round pick for 2029. If the 2026 pick does not convey, it will convert to an unprotected pick in 2031.
Defensively, Zubac is expected to make a significant impact on a Pacers team that currently ranks 28th in the league for points allowed in the paint. Since the beginning of the last season, he has contested over 2,000 field goals, limiting opponents to a 44.8% shooting percentage on those attempts. His skills in setting screens make him a valuable asset for Haliburton, as Zubac has set the third-most on-ball screens in the league during that time.
Clippers president Lawrence Frank commented on the emotional complexities of the trade, noting, “This trade is extremely difficult for many reasons, but in order to achieve our ultimate goals as an organization, we felt we had to take advantage of the opportunity. Zu is one of the best centers in the NBA… We will miss Zu as a player and a person.”
For the Clippers, Mathurin, 23, will inject youthful energy into their roster. He is currently averaging 17.8 points and 5.4 rebounds this season and is set to become a restricted free agent next summer after not reaching an extension agreement with the Pacers during the offseason.
This trade marks a significant moment for both franchises, indicating different trajectories as the season unfolds and highlighting the strategic maneuvers teams must undertake to improve their futures.