Caitlin Clark declares Indiana ‘world champion’ in 2027 after Ivica Zubac trade
The Indiana Pacers received an immediate and decisive reaction after acquisition of Ivica Zubac on Thursday at the NBA trade deadlineincluding the bold proclamation from Caitlin Clark.
Moments after the trade was announced, Clark shared her excitement on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Pacers 2027 world champions,” Clark wrote.
Indiana acquired Zubac in a deal with the Los Angeles Clipperssending Benedict Maturin, Isaiah Jackson, a protected 2026 first-round pick, an unprotected 2029 first-round pick and a future second-round pick to Los Angeles. The Pacers also received Kobe Brown in a trade, solidifying their frontcourt after months of uncertainty at the position.
The move addressed a clear need for Indiana after last season An appearance in the NBA Finals, where the Pacers fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in seven games. That streak was followed by the offseason departure of the longtime center Myles Turner, who signed with the Milwaukee Bucksleaving a significant gap in the middle.
The addition of Ivica Zupac sparked the declaration of ‘World Champion 2027.’ by Caitlin Clark
Zubac (28) arrives as a proven solution. A member of last season’s All-Defensive Second Team, he averaged 14.4 points, 11 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game this season while shooting 61.3 percent from the field in 43 games, including 42 starts. He is logging 30.9 minutes per contest and spent more than seven seasons with the Clippers before the trade.
Indiana enters the final stretch of the season at 13-38 as it looks to stabilize a roster that has undergone significant changes since its Finals appearance. Zubc’s arrival provides immediate rim protection, rebounding and interior scoring, solidifying a retooled frontcourt.
Clark, the star Indiana Feverhe quickly caught the mood around the franchise. While her comment was light-hearted, it reflected renewed optimism around a team that recently competed on the league’s biggest stage.
The Pacers return to action Friday night, opening a six-game road trip against the Milwaukee Bucks (20-29) at 8:00 PM ET, and Zubac is expected to play a central role as Indiana turns the page to its next chapter.
2026-02-05 21:59:00
