After a busy NBA trade deadline that saw a series of major moves across the span of a few days, WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark is ready to predict the 2027 NBA champions.
On Thursday, the Indiana Fever icon took to X and dropped an emphatic four-word message of support for her fellow Indiana squad.
Caitlin Clark Picks Pacers To Win 2027 NBA Title After Blockbuster Ivica Zubac Acquisition
The Indiana Pacers were one of the biggest winners of Thursday’s deadline, landing one of their top rumored trade targets, Los Angeles Clippers big man Ivica Zubac.
The reigning Eastern Conference champions, who are in the midst of an injury-induced gap year, parted with wing Bennedict Mathurin, big man Isaiah Jackson, two first-round picks (2026 protected and 2029 unprotected), and one second-round pick to pull off the seismic move. Meanwhile, they also landed forward Kobe Brown.
While that marked a steep price, the trade gives Indiana a 28-year-old nightly double-double threat who was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team last season. Zubac is expected to fill the Pacers’ starting center void left by Myles Turner, who shockingly departed to the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency over the offseason, leaving them without a proven big man.
Zubac’s addition, combined with star point guard Tyrese Haliburton’s highly anticipated return from a torn right Achilles tendon next season, could be enough to elevate Indiana back into contention. However, Clark is even more bullish, already viewing the new-look Pacers as next year’s title favorite.
“Pacers 2027 world champions,” Clark tweeted on Thursday after news broke of the Zubac deal.
Pacers 2027 world champions
— Caitlin Clark (@CaitlinClark22) February 5, 2026
Through 43 appearances this season, Zubac is averaging 14.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 0.8 blocks per game on 61.3% shooting. His steady production played a large role in the Clippers rallying to a 23-27 record after their nightmarish 6-21 start.
While the 10-year veteran is unlikely to alter Indiana’s short-term fortunes, given its insurmountable hole (13-38), per ESPN’s Shams Charania, the franchise holds him in high regard. The NBA insider reported Thursday that the Pacers are “very excited” about pairing Zubac with Haliburton, who is expected to set up the 7-footer for countless easy finishes for years to come.
Live reporting into the NBA Today Trade Deadline Special on the Indiana Pacers acquiring Ivica Zubac as Tyrese Haliburton’s future running mate: pic.twitter.com/X1BZsDOzVu
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2026
Clark, an avid Pacers supporter, will likely be courtside to cheer on the aspiring East contenders next season, as Haliburton and Co. look to recapture the magic of last year’s improbable NBA Finals run.
