Breaking: Ivica Zubac Traded to the Indiana Pacers
Trade details
The Los Angeles Clippers have sent center Ivica Zubac (and Kobe Brown) to the Indiana Pacers in a multi-piece deal announced by ESPN sources. In return, the Clippers will receive Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, two first-round draft picks and one second-round pick.
One of the incoming first-rounders is a 2026 pick from Indiana with protections (1–4 and 10–30), and the Clippers will also pick up an unprotected first-round selection in 2029. The move is part of a larger roster shake-up for both clubs.
This season Zubac is averaging 14.3 points, 11.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists across 43 games. He is earning $18,102,000 and remains under contract through the 2027–28 season.
What this means for each team
For the Clippers, this continues a clear roster reset after recent big moves. They also completed a separate trade that sent James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Darius Garland and a second-round pick. Harden had been averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds in 44 games for Los Angeles this year.
The Pacers add a reliable rim protector and rebounder in Zubac, bolstering their frontcourt immediately. Losing young pieces and future picks is a cost, but the move signals Indiana is looking to win now.
Asked about the departures, Kawhi Leonard kept his response brief and supportive, saying he respected the decision and that Harden remained a friend, and urged trust in the front office.
Expect both teams to look different on the floor in the coming weeks as coaches integrate new players and evaluate lineups. The Clippers are collecting future assets, while the Pacers gain size and interior stability for their current roster.
