NBA Trade Deadline: Clippers Trade Ivica Zubac to Pacers
The Pacers acquire a new center by landing Ivica Zubac from the Clippers. The trade includes Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, and two first-round picks for Indiana, who finally have their replacement for Myles Turner.
Photo Credit : © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Indiana Pacers have finalized the acquisition of Ivica Zubac from the LA Clippers, according to reports from Shams Charania of ESPN. This major trade allows the Pacers to acquire the Croatian center along with Kobe Brown, while the Clippers receive in return Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, the Pacers’ protected 2026 first-round pick, their unprotected 2029 first-round pick, and the Mavericks’ 2028 second-round pick.
The 2026 pick protection applies to positions 1-4 and 10-30. If this pick doesn’t convey in 2026, it will convert to an unprotected 2031 first-round pick for the Clippers. This transaction comes just days after the James Harden trade to Cleveland, confirming the Clippers’ new direction toward the future.
BREAKING: The Los Angeles Clippers are trading Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/eu6KtWgA9j
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2026
An Elite Center to Build Around Tyrese Haliburton
Zubac, who will turn 29 in March, represents exactly the profile Indiana has been looking for since Myles Turner’s departure to Milwaukee last summer. The 7-foot center is having an excellent season averaging 14.4 points and 11.0 rebounds per game, while posting a remarkable 61.3% shooting percentage. His traditional playing style is reflected in the fact that he hasn’t attempted a single 3-pointer this season.
The Pacers had made multiple attempts to strengthen their frontcourt, notably testing combinations with Jackson, Jay Huff, James Wiseman, and Tony Bradley. The Indiana franchise had also explored other options, including Daniel Gafford, Nic Claxton, Walker Kessler, and Yves Missi. According to Chris Haynes, the Pacers had recently offered two unprotected first-round picks for Kessler, but the Jazz declined the offer.
Zubac’s defensive impact is a major asset for the Pacers. Last season, the Croatian finished sixth in Defensive Player of the Year voting and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. Under contract for two additional seasons beyond this one, with a salary around $20 million in 2026-2027 and 2027-2028, Zubac offers perfect financial and athletic stability to accompany Tyrese Haliburton’s return to form.
This trade fits into the Pacers’ long-term strategy, betting on reopening their championship window as early as next season with a healthy Haliburton and now an All-Star caliber center to anchor their defense.
Ivica ZUBAC
Position(s): Center
Height: 213 cm
Age: 28 years (03/18/1997)
Nationality:
Stats 2025-2026 / NBA
PTS
14.4
#104
REB
11
#8
AST
2.2
#184
With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
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