Pacers Acquire Ivica Zubac in Major Trade

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Indianapolis, February 6, 2026

The Indiana Pacers have bolstered their lineup by trading for center Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers. The Pacers sent guard Bennedict Mathurin, center Isaiah Jackson, and multiple draft picks to the Clippers in return. This acquisition addresses the team’s need for a reliable center and positions them for a better competitive stance in future seasons. With Zubac joining established players like Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers are aiming to enhance their performance moving forward.

Indianapolis, Indiana – The Indiana Pacers have made a significant move to enhance their roster by acquiring center Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers. In exchange, the Pacers are sending guard Bennedict Mathurin, center Isaiah Jackson, and multiple draft picks to bolster the Clippers’ lineup. This trade addresses the longstanding need for a reliable center in Indianapolis, aiming to improve the Pacers’ performance in the upcoming seasons.

Trade Details

  • Players Involved: Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown join the Pacers, while Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson head to the Clippers.
  • Draft Picks: The Pacers are sending a protected 2026 first-round pick, an unprotected 2029 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick to Los Angeles. The 2026 pick is protected if it falls between 1-4 or 10-30; otherwise, it becomes an unprotected 2031 first-round pick.

Player Profiles

  • Ivica Zubac: A 28-year-old center, Zubac is averaging 14.4 points and 11.0 rebounds per game this season. He is under contract through the 2027-28 season and was a second-team All-Defensive selection last year.
  • Bennedict Mathurin: The 23-year-old guard has been a consistent scorer for the Pacers, averaging 17.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. He was set to become a restricted free agent next summer.
  • Isaiah Jackson: A 22-year-old center, Jackson has shown promise with averages of 6.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game this season.

Team Implications

The acquisition of Zubac fills the center position for the Pacers, a role left vacant after Myles Turner’s departure last summer. Pairing Zubac with All-Star forward Pascal Siakam and star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who is recovering from an Achilles injury, positions the Pacers for a competitive future. The team is currently 13-38 this season, but the addition of Zubac is expected to enhance their performance in the coming years.

Upcoming Game

The Pacers are set to face the Milwaukee Bucks today, Friday, February 6, 2026, at 5:00 PM PST. This game will be an opportunity for the team to integrate their new acquisition and continue building team chemistry.

Background

The Pacers have been actively seeking a center since losing Myles Turner to free agency last summer. The trade for Zubac represents a significant commitment to strengthening their roster and pursuing future success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who did the Indiana Pacers acquire in the recent trade?
The Pacers acquired center Ivica Zubac and forward Kobe Brown from the Los Angeles Clippers.
What did the Pacers give up in the trade?
The Pacers sent guard Bennedict Mathurin, center Isaiah Jackson, a protected 2026 first-round pick, an unprotected 2029 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick to the Clippers.
What are Ivica Zubac’s statistics this season?
Zubac is averaging 14.4 points and 11.0 rebounds per game this season.
What is the status of Tyrese Haliburton?
Tyrese Haliburton is recovering from an Achilles injury and is expected to return next season.
When is the Pacers’ next game?
The Pacers are scheduled to play against the Milwaukee Bucks today, Friday, February 6, 2026, at 5:00 PM PST.

Feature Details
Trade Acquisition Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown from the Los Angeles Clippers
Players Traded Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson
Draft Picks Sent Protected 2026 first-round pick, unprotected 2029 first-round pick, 2028 second-round pick
Zubac’s Season Averages 14.4 points and 11.0 rebounds per game
Haliburton’s Status Recovering from Achilles injury, expected return next season
Next Game February 6, 2026, against the Milwaukee Bucks at 5:00 PM PST

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