INDIANA — The Indiana Pacers are leading the race to land Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac in a deadline-day trade, sources told Jake Fischer of The People’s Insider. The Pacers continue to search for long-term solutions to their frontcourt concerns.
Ivica Zubac Heading To The Pacers In Deadline Trade
Pacers Emerging as Primary Suitor
Fischer reported early Thursday, “Sources: After trading James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this week, the Los Angeles Clippers have continued receiving calls on starting center Ivica Zubac, with Indiana prime among his suitors.”
The Pacers have been linked to several centers this season. They have also remained connected to Zubac for months. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype previously reported that both Indiana and Boston showed strong interest in him. Scotto also revealed that Los Angeles declined a proposal centered around Anfernee Simons and a first-round pick.
Sources: After trading James Harden to Cleveland earlier this week, the Clippers have still been receiving calls on starting center Ivica Zubac, with the Indiana Pacers prime among his suitors.
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— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) February 5, 2026
Clippers Signal Shift Toward Youth
Zubac missed Wednesday’s game for personal reasons. He averages 14 points and 11 rebounds per game this season. Los Angeles’ recent decision to move Harden for Darius Garland suggests the Clippers are shifting toward a younger timeline. The deal signals growing openness to acquiring young players and draft capital. The Clippers plan to leverage the summer of 2027 to rebuild a contender. Indiana can offer appealing young pieces like Bennedict Mathurin and Jarace Walker. The Pacers also control all of their future picks, giving them a strong trade package. The Clippers would want multiple first-rounders for Zubac per Brian Windhorst of ESPN. “If Ivica Zubac gets traded today, he’s going to get traded for more than Anthony Davis was traded for. Multiple 1st-round draft picks,” Windhorst said.
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