With the NBA trade deadline looming, another former Kentucky basketball player was traded from their current team.
Former UK big man Isaiah Jackson is on the move, with NBA insider Shams Charania announcing on Thursday afternoon that Jackson is being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Jackson was part of the breaking Ivica Zubac deal, which sent Zubac and Kobe Brown to Indianapolis while the Pacers sent Jackson, Bennedict Mathurin, two first-round picks and a second-round pick to LA.
Charania would later clarify that the first-round picks were a 2026 first rounder (protected 1-4 and 10-30) and a 2029 Pacers unprotected first rounder. If the Pacers' pick this year falls outside of the protected window, it becomes a 2031 unprotected first round pick.
Now joining the Clipper organization, Jackson will join his second NBA franchise after being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers and sent to Indianapolis in 2021. He was the No. 21 overall pick.
Jackson also previously suited up for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, the former G-League affiliate of the Pacers, now known as the Noblesville Boom.
A former five-star recruit, Jackson was one of John Calipari's many one-and-done talents in Lexington, suiting up for the Wildcats during the 2020-21 campaign which notoriously saw the Cats finish 9-16.
Despite the poor overall record, Jackson emerged as a defensive force, averaging 8.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game in college.
During his time in Indianapolis, Jackson flashed his potential throughout his career, though injuries hampered his consistency and availability.
Now headed to Los Angeles, Jackson will get a fresh start with a Clippers team looking to add athleticism and depth to its front court.
Jackson was the second Wildcat involved in a notable trade this cycle after the Dallas Mavericks traded Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards.