Pacers get their center for Haliburton, acquire Ivica Zubac from Clippers

The Indiana Pacers made one of the biggest moves of the 2026 NBA trade deadline, addressing their long-standing need in the middle by acquiring veteran center Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers in a blockbuster deal that reshapes both franchises.

Indiana, which has been without a true starting center since Myles Turner left in free agency last summer, now brings in one of the league’s most consistent big men to pair with rising star Tyrese Haliburton and All-Star forward Pascal Siakam.

ANALYSIS: The Pacers will receive Ivica Zubac, a young yet seasoned center who is averaging about 14.4 points, 11.0 rebounds this season and Kobe Brown, for young wing depth.

Zubac gives the Pacers a legitimate starting center – something they’ve lacked this year after Turner’s departure. Standing 7-foot-1 and consistently efficient inside the paint, Zubac provides rim protection, rebounding and pick-and-roll value that can help elevate Indiana’s defense and complement Haliburton’s playmaking. He’s also under contract through 2027-28, aligning with Indiana’s timeline as Haliburton returns from injury.

Meanwhile, the Clippers will receive Bennedict Mathurin, a 23-year-old wing who is averaging a career high 17.8 PPG this season; Isaiah Jackson, a young, athletic big man and three draft picks (2026 first-round pick (protected: 1–4 & 10–30), 2029 unprotected first-round pick, and a second-round pick).

For the Clippers, the trade further accelerates a roster refresh that has seen several key moves around the deadline – including the earlier trade of James Harden and the acquisition of Darius Garland. By bringing in Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson and draft capital, L.A. builds for the future while staying competitive around superstar Kawhi Leonard.

Mathurin, a former No. 6 overall pick, has been one of the NBA’s better young wings this season and offers the Clippers scoring punch and youth.

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The Pacers’ addition of Ivica Zubac represents one of the most consequential deadline moves of the 2026 trade period, solving a major roster weakness and strengthening their core for the long haul. Meanwhile, the Clippers position themselves with young talent and future draft capital as they continue to evolve. With their center rotation addressed and Haliburton’s return on the horizon, Indiana’s outlook – both for the rest of this season and beyond – just took a meaningful step forward.