The Los Angeles Clippers have made a significant move by trading center Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers, just one hour before the NBA trade deadline on March 1, 2024. Zubac, the longest-tenured active player for the Clippers, has been a cornerstone of their offensive strategy. In exchange, the Clippers receive wing Bennedict Mathurin, big man Isaiah Jackson, and multiple draft picks, including two first-round selections and one second-round pick.
Zubac, who will turn 29 next month, is recognized for his strong performance this season, boasting a shooting percentage of 61%, along with averages of 14.4 points and 11.0 rebounds per game. Although his numbers have slightly declined from his career-best season last year, he has remained a dominant force in the paint, particularly as a favored target of James Harden during pick-and-roll plays. Just prior to the trade, the Clippers dealt Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers for 26-year-old guard Darius Garland.
The trade comes after Zubac missed a recent game due to personal matters following the birth of his daughter. His departure marks a significant shift for the Clippers, who are now focusing on a younger roster.
New Faces in the Clippers’ Roster
The Clippers welcome Bennedict Mathurin, a 23-year-old shooting guard, who has demonstrated his scoring ability and was instrumental in the Pacers’ playoff run last season. Mathurin averaged 17.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists over 28 games this season, especially excelling in playing time after Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn Achilles. Despite a recent injury that sidelined him with a sprained right thumb and turf toe, Mathurin’s return to form adds depth to the Clippers’ lineup.
Alongside Mathurin, the Clippers also get Isaiah Jackson, a 24-year-old center standing at 6-foot-8. Jackson is expected to compete for minutes at the center position against Brook Lopez and rookie Yanic Konan Niederhauser, further bolstering the team’s frontcourt options.
In addition to the players, the Clippers will receive a first-round pick from the Pacers for 2026, which is protected from being a top-four pick or falling between picks 10-30. They will also acquire an unprotected first-round pick for 2029, providing additional assets for future roster development.
The Clippers’ latest trade reflects a strategic shift as they aim to build a younger and more dynamic team. As the NBA season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the team’s performance in the coming months.
Updates will follow as the situation develops and the implications of this trade unfold.
