Clippers Trade Ivica Zubac to Pacers

Emerson Raymont

Published: February 5, 2026 7:16 PM ET

The Indiana Pacers have finalized a trade to acquire Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers, significantly altering their roster dynamics. This decision comes as the Pacers seek stability in their starting center position after losing Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency last summer.

Details of the Trade

According to reports from NBA insiders, the trade package involves several components:

Pacers Acquire: Ivica Zubac, Kobe Brown
Clippers Acquire: Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, the Pacers’ 2026 first-round pick (top-four protected and 10-30 protected), the 2029 first-round pick (unprotected), and the Mavericks’ 2028 second-round pick

If the 2026 Pacers pick does not land between No. 5 and No. 9, the Clippers will receive the Pacers’ unprotected 2031 first-round pick instead.

Pacers’ Center Situation

Since last summer, Indiana has struggled to fill the center role. The team has cycled through players like Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman in an attempt to manage the position this season. With Zubac’s arrival, the Pacers hope to solidify their frontcourt.

Performance Stats

Ivica Zubac has had an impressive run, especially in the previous season, where he averaged:

16.8 points per game
12.6 rebounds per game

This performance earned him a spot as the Most Improved Player runner-up and recognition in the All-Defensive second team.

This season, he is averaging 14.4 points and 11.0 rebounds, showcasing his consistent productivity with a 61.3% shooting percentage over 43 games.

Contract and Future Implications

Zubac’s contract is seen as team-friendly, with an $18.1 million salary for this season, and subsequent guaranteed salaries of $19.6 million and $21 million in the following years. As a result of a 5% trade kicker, these salaries will slightly increase, but the value offered to the Pacers over the next two and a half seasons is viewed positively.

Pacers’ Current Standing

The Pacers are currently experiencing a challenging season, holding a record of 13-38, which places them with the third-worst standing in the NBA. There is potential for improvement in their draft positioning, with a 52.1% chance of landing a top-four pick.

Clippers’ Gains

On the flip side, the Clippers have acquired young talents in Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson. Mathurin, a former sixth overall pick in 2022, is averaging career-high statistics but has faced injuries this season. Jackson, recovering from a previous Achilles injury, is providing increased depth to the Clippers’ roster.

This trade embodies how both teams are looking to refocus their strategies. The Pacers aim for a stronger presence in the center position, while the Clippers gain promising young players and potential future draft assets.