After trading James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers this week, the Los Angeles Clippers have still been receiving calls from the Indiana Pacers about starting center Ivica Zubac.
Pacers Still Interested In Ivica Zubac
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Pacers have been discussing a potential trade deal with the Clippers involving Zubac ahead of Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET deadline.
However, it’s unclear whether a deal will materialize by then.
HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported last month that during earlier trade inquiries this season, “it would have taken at least two first-round picks for the Clippers to consider parting with Zubac.”
Fischer also noted in early December that the Clippers are listening to offers for Zubac, “but they don’t want to part with the ever-improving big man who sports such a team-friendly contract.”
Per Spotrac, Zubac is on a relatively affordable three-year, $58.65 million contract. He’s earning $18.1 million this season and is slated to make $19.5 million in 2026-27 and $29.9 million in 2027-28.
The former second-round pick is the perfect trade candidate for the Pacers, who already have $177 million on their books for next season, including max salaries for Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam.
Zubac Has Played Well With Clippers
Zubac, 28, had a breakout year last season, averaging career highs of 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, 2,7 assists, and 32.8 minutes per game in 80 games (all starts) with L.A.
In the Clippers’ 119-117 road loss to the Phoenix Suns on March 4, 2025, he recorded a career-high 35 points on 15-of-19 (78.9%) shooting from the field and 5-for-6 (83.3%) from the foul line.
Zubac was a finalist for Most Improved Player, and he earned his first NBA All-Defensive Second-Team selection after leading the league in total rebounds (1,010), offensive rebounds (300), and defensive boards (710).
Through 43 appearances (42 starts) this season, Zubac is averaging 14.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 30.9 minutes per game while shooting 61.3% from the floor and 70.5% from the free throw line.
The 7-footer ranks fifth in total rebounds (473) and sixth in offensive boards (148).
In January, Zubac returned from a Grade 2 left ankle sprain that sidelined him for five games. He suffered the injury in the first half of a 103-88 home win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Dec. 20.
