Ivica Zubac Joins the Indiana Pacers
In a notable transaction just before the league’s trade deadline, Ivica Zubac has joined the Indiana Pacers following a trade deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. The announcement of his debut was made on Thursday, indicating that Zubac would take to the court against the Phoenix Suns. Initially considered uncertain for the match, the 28-year-old center had been recovering from a left ankle sprain, an injury he sustained back in December. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle mentioned on Tuesday that Zubac was nearing full fitness.
Details of the Trade
The trade saw Zubac, along with teammate Kobe Brown, move to Indiana in exchange for Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, as well as multiple draft picks, including two first-round selections and one second-round pick. Over the years, Zubac established himself as a dependable contributor for the Clippers, notably enjoying a standout season where he earned a spot on the second-team NBA All-Defensive team. Last year, he achieved career highs with averages of 16.8 points and 12.6 rebounds per game and secured a sixth-place finish in the Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Zubac’s Impact on the Pacers
Although Zubac’s performance has seen a dip this season—averaging 14.4 points and 11 rebounds across 43 games—he remains a critical asset for the Pacers, particularly as they navigate a challenging season with a current record of 15-50, placing them at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Following the free-agent departure of Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks, Zubac is expected to step in as a cornerstone for the team’s frontcourt.
He will join forces with rising star point guard Tyrese Haliburton and forward Pascal Siakam, an All-Star this past season. With Haliburton recovering from a torn Achilles suffered during the 2025 NBA Finals, Zubac’s integration into the roster could prove beneficial. Additionally, utilizing Zubac during the latter part of the season may help the Pacers avoid further penalties after recently being fined by the league, along with the Utah Jazz, due to infractions related to the player participation policy.
