With just a few hours before the NBA trade deadline slammed shut, the Indiana Pacers made a tremendous move by adding Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers. This is after the Clippers traded away future Hall of Fame point guard James Harden to the Cavaliers, in a clear sign they are looking to gain flexibility for next season.
Meanwhile, the lottery-bound Pacers have added a significant pick-and-roll partner for Tyrese Haliburton when he returns next season. Reportedly, the Pacers have been on the center market for a while and pivoted to Zubac late.
Pacers Pivot to Ivica Zubac Late in Huge Deadline Move
The Pacers were hot on the center trail since losing Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks in the summer, and according to reports from NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Pacers made a run at Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz. Offering a package highlighted by two unprotected first-round picks. Danny Ainge declined it, and the Pacers then pivoted to Zubac.
Haynes also predicts that Kessler will command an active market as a restricted free agent this summer. Kessler’s career earnings, according to Spotrac, are $13.37 million, with a 2025-26 cap hit of $ 4.87 million. It’s a risk for Ainge to turn down multiple first-round picks for Kessler, unless they are confident they can match any offer this summer.
Sources: Indiana Pacers made a run at Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler and offered a package highlighted by two unprotected first-round picks. It was declined and Pacers pivoted to Zubac. Kessler will be in demand as a restricted free agent this summer.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 5, 2026
Nevertheless, the Pacers have to be delighted to acquire arguably the most valuable center on the trade market in Zubac. He’s an active rebounder and solid rim-protecting center who is still in his prime at 28. He’s an expert in the pick and roll, so he and Haliburton will surely excel together next season as he did with Harden. A solid pivot from the Pacers this deadline.
Going the other way, per Shams Charania, is Benedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, two firsts, and a second. The Clippers commanded quite a haul for Zubac, and will be delighted to acquire an impact scoring wing like Mathurin, as well as multiple picks.
The Clippers were meant to be a championship-contending team, but their dreadful start meant even their red-hot last month or so still keeps them only a play-in team. With Kawhi Leonard’s status murky and the possibility of an impending league punishment, they decided to prioritize next summer.
This is the type of deal both sides can be happy with. Mathurin is a nice get for LA, and the Pacers have found their potential answer at center for next season upon Haliburton’s return.
