The Los Angeles Clippers have decided to cut ties with the veteran center, Ivica Zubac.
On Thursday, it was revealed that the Indiana Pacers have landed the services of the standout big man ahead of the trade deadline, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. While the move doesn't place Zubac in a win-now situation, it's a major swing for the future of the Pacers' franchise, which is built around Tyrese Haliburton.
Currently, Haliburton is nursing an Achilles injury, which will keep him off the court for the entire 2025-2026 NBA season. The Pacers didn't enter the year looking to actively tank, but their health struggles placed them in a tough spot all season long.
On deadline day, the Pacers are placed 15th in the Eastern Conference with a 13-38 record. Only the Sacramento Kings have a worse record.
Despite the struggles this season, the Pacers hope to be right back in contention next year. Ever since swinging a big trade for Haliburton from Sacramento a few years back, the Pacers have been one of the biggest title threats coming out of the East. Last year, Haliburton led his team to the NBA Finals. Unfortunately, they lost Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Haliburton left with his injury early on.
Zubac leaves the Clippers after an eight-year run. This season, he was one of the top trade targets for teams in the market for a center. In 43 games, Zubac averaged 14.4 points and 11.0 rebounds. He shot 61 percent from the field and made 70 percent of his free throws.
While the Clippers were initially adamant on keeping Zubac, they've made some deadline stunners this week. It started with the James Harden-Darius Garland swap with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now, Zubac is headed to the Pacers. Indiana finds themselves a long-term center, as Zubac is in the beginning of a three-year, $58 million deal. Next season, Zubac is slated to make $19.5 million. In 2027-2028, he'll earn $20.9 million.
As the full details of the deal are still being worked out, the Pacers' outgoing package is expected to include the veteran standout, Bennedict Mathurin. Indiana will also include multiple first-round picks and Isaiah Jackson, according to Chris Haynes.
Newsweek