The Pacers are among the teams that have signed up with the Clippers for the Ivica Zupac trade

Trade talks around the league continue to pick up speed, and The Indiana Pacers have positioned themselves among the teams evaluating frontcourt upgrades. The Pacers, still searching for a long-term center after losing Myles Turner in free agency, have reportedly signed Los Angeles Clippers regarding a potential deal for a veterans center Ivica Zubac. The investigation comes as Indiana works to stabilize its roster during a season far removed from last year’s run to the NBA Finals.

ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel reported on Wednesday several teams have inquired about Zubac and Indiana is one of the organizations who recently established a research contact.

“Various teams have already started calling the Los Angeles Clippers to inquire about Ivica Zubac this season, sources said. Multiple suitors are expected to continue chasing Zubac this season, and one of those teams is the Indiana Pacers.

Since losing Myles Turner in free agency, the Pacers have been searching for their new long-term center. Several names have surfaced as potential targets for Indiana, which recently called L.A. to discuss Zubac, sources said.

However, the Clippers have yet to announce their plans for the season and what will happen after their terrible 6-18 start to the year. The organization has signaled they have no interest in trading Zubac, but rival teams believe LA would be open to open discussions if multiple first-round picks were offered for the center.

As for the Clippers, it is unlikely that they will part with Zubac this season. Never say never, though, and this ideology could change at any moment, especially if LA gets an offer they can’t refuse. This is certainly not that offer, as this hypothetical scenario is simply a blueprint of what Indiana would have to work with in pursuit of Zubac.

The Pacers’ search for a long-term center continues as the Clippers’ Ivica Zubac emerges as a top target

Indiana’s investigation into Zubac comes shortly after the franchise linked to Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford as part of its wider search for domestic help. The Pacers continued to evaluate their options, with Tyrese Haliburton sidelined until next season with an Achilles injury.

Zubac, 28, is producing one of the strongest seasons of his career. He is averaging 15.9 points, 11.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 59.9 percent from the field in 24 appearances. He is logging 32.8 minutes per contest and remains a central part of the Clippers’ defensive structure. He earned second-team all-defensive honors last season while helping lead Los Angeles to a 50–32 record before the team fell to the Denver Nuggets in seven games in the first round. He is making $18.1 million this season after signing a three-year, $58.6 million extension in August 2024.

The Clippers, now 14th in the Western Conference, will look to snap their two-game losing streak on Thursday when they travel to Houston to face the Rockets (15-6) at 8:00 PM ET.

Indiana enters Friday’s matchup in Philadelphia with a 6-18 record, a stark contrast from last season when the franchise advanced to the NBA Finals before falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder in seven games. The Pacers have won two straight and will look to extend that streak against the 76ers (13-10) at 7:00 PM ET as they continue their search for long-term stability at center.

It remains unclear if talks with Los Angeles have progressed, but interest in Zubac around the league is expected to continue throughout the trade cycle.