The Los Angeles Clippers have agreed to trade center Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers, according to league sources. In return, Los Angeles will receive guard Bennedict Mathurin, forward-center Isaiah Jackson, a protected 2026 first-round draft pick, and an unprotected 2029 first-round pick from Indiana.
Zubac, who has been a steady presence in the Clippers’ frontcourt since being acquired from the Lakers in 2019, brings interior defense, rebounding, and efficient scoring around the basket. This season, he has continued to provide reliability in the paint and has been a key contributor to the Clippers’ rotation.
For the Pacers, the move bolsters the center position as they continue to build around a young core. Zubac, 26, offers size and experience to anchor Indiana’s defense alongside its emerging talent.
In Mathurin, the Clippers acquire a promising young wing who made an immediate impact after being selected as a lottery pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Known for his scoring potential and athleticism, Mathurin adds depth and versatility to Los Angeles’s backcourt.
Isaiah Jackson, a 6-foot-10 forward who has shown flashes of defensive ability and rim protection, further enhances the Clippers’ frontcourt options with his energy and shot-blocking.
The inclusion of two first-round draft picks gives Los Angeles added flexibility for future roster construction. The 2026 pick is protected, while the 2029 first-rounder is unprotected, signaling Indiana’s confidence in its long-term trajectory.
This trade reflects shifting team strategies as the NBA season progresses. For Los Angeles, the move may indicate long-term planning centered around youth and asset accumulation. For Indiana, acquiring a reliable interior presence like Zubac could support their immediate competitive goals around their developing roster.
The deal remains subject to league approval and will become official once all players have passed physicals and paperwork has been finalized.
