Clippers President Makes Feelings Clear on Ivica Zubac After Shockingly Trading Longest-Tenured Player to Pacers

The Los Angeles Clippers’ trading Ivica Zubac added to the list of shocking moves during the 2026 NBA trade deadline. One of the busier teams during the dealing window, they earlier made headlines by sending veteran playmaker James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Zubac and Kobe Brown were traded to the Indiana Pacers. The move saw the Clippers add younger names in Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, and three draft picks.

Clippers President Had a Glowing Tribute for Ivica Zubac After Pacers Deal

Speaking after the jaw-dropping trade of their longest-tenured player, Clippers president Lawrence Frank was grateful for Ivica Zubac’s services. He told Indiana what they would get for their move.

“Zu is one of the best centers in the NBA, the longest-tenured player on the team, and a pillar of everything we’ve done for the past seven years,” Frank said. “He is an elite rim protector and rebounder who made himself into an effective offensive threat, a tribute to his hard work. We will miss Zu as a player and a person.”

Zubac spent a major part of his career in the Pacific Division. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the 2016 NBA draft. In 2019, he was traded to the crosstown rivals, the Clippers, along with Michael Beasley, for Mike Muscala.

In his eight years with the Clippers, the center averaged 11.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. This season, he played 43 games, averaging 14.4 points and 11.0 rebounds.

During his time with the Clippers, Zubac made a name for himself as a premier big man with strong defensive skills. Known for his rebounding and gritty rim protection, he formed solid chemistry with Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Harden.

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In Mathurin and Jackson, the Clippers now have an aggressive scorer and a promising center suited to be part of their future. With the team looking to field a young group, along with experienced names in Leonard and Bradley Beal, adding the Pacers duo gives them a two-punch combo.

Zubac’s move to the Pacers does little to help the East team make a surge. It has been a down year for the team after making the NBA Finals last season. They are at the bottom of the Conference standings with a 13-38 record and all but out of the playoffs.

However, with superstar Tyrese Haliburton set to return for the upcoming season, Indiana can look to build the chemistry between their star guard and a seasoned center. Add Pascal Siakam to the fold, and the Pacers’ big three can dominate next season if they remain healthy.