Clippers Send Star Center to Indiana
The LA Clippers traded center Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, marking a significant move as the NBA approaches its trade deadline. The Pacers trade reunites the franchise with a defensive anchor after losing longtime starter Myles Turner in free agency last summer.
In the deal, the Pacers trade package includes Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, the team’s protected 2026 first-round pick, and an unprotected 2029 first-rounder heading to Los Angeles, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Building Around Haliburton
The Ivica Zubac trade positions Indiana to build around franchise cornerstone Tyrese Haliburton with proven rim protection. Zubac, 28, has emerged as one of the league’s elite defensive centers, finishing sixth in Defensive Player of the Year voting last season and earning All-Defensive second-team honors.
This season, the 7-foot center is averaging 14.4 points and 11 rebounds while shooting an impressive 61.3% from the field. His presence addresses a critical need for a Zubac contract that locks in two more seasons at approximately $20 million annually through 2027-28.
Part of Clippers’ Retooling
The Zubac trade comes days after the Clippers sent 11-time All-Star James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers for two-time All-Star Darius Garland, signaling a shift toward youth and future flexibility. The Ivica Zubac contract arrangements reflect Los Angeles’ willingness to move established pieces for return value.
For the Pacers, landing Bennedict Mathurin and additional draft capital in return provides trade flexibility as the franchise builds its championship window around Haliburton’s prime years.
