Ivica Zubac changes grades for pacers, clippers

Los Angeles The Clippers traded Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers for Benedict MaturinIsaiah Jackson, a protected 2026 first-round pick, an unprotected 2029 first-round pick and a future second-round pick hours before the trade deadline. After that The Clippers granted the request of veteran guard James HardenBy shipping him to the Cleveland Cavs for Darius Garland, Los Angeles traded its defensive center for a young shooter, forward and draft capital.

Zubac had been the subject of trade rumors for weeks leading up to Thursday NBA trade deadline. Arguably one of the most sought-after centers in the league this season, Zubac is in the first year of a three-year contract worth $58.6 million. The Pacers have their starting center of the future, and he is at the peak of his prime.

He is averaging a double-double (14.4 points, 11.0 rebounds) this season. Zubac is fifth in the NBA in rebounding per game, and his 61.3% field goal percentage is sixth among centers. Last season, Zubac won second team all-defensive honors, and at the end of this season, he is on pace to make another all-defensive team.

Jackson recovered from a right Achilles injury in the 2024-25 season. This season, he averaged 6.4 points and 5.6 rebounds in 16.8 minutes. Maturin, in his fourth year, is averaging career highs this season including points (17.8), rebounds (5.4) and assists (2.3) per game on 43.3/37.2/88.4 percent shooting.

Evaluating the Clippers trade with the Pacers

In an attempt to maximize their return for James Harden, the Clippers acquired an All-Star guard in Darius Garland and a future second-round pick from the Cavs. As the NBA’s oldest team, future draft picks are top of mind for the Clippers, who added to their assets in a four-player deal with the Pacers.

However, if the Pacers 2026 first round pick falls outside of the 1-4 or 10-30 range in this year’s draft, first becomes unprotected in 2031, according to ESPN’s Shems Charani.

Pacers receive: Ivica Zubac, Kobe Brown

Clippers get: Benedict Maturin, Isaiah Jackson, protected (range 1-4/10-30) 2026 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick and future second-round pick

While the Clippers gave up their best defender in Ivica Zubac, Benedikt Maturin, 23, gives them an efficient shooter with plenty of upside for a fourth-year guard who is still under 25 years old. He’s also on an expiring contract, which isn’t ideal for the Clippers. But re-signing him is necessary this summer because Maturin is projected to be a 20+ point scorer and one of the more reliable 3-point shooters.

Mathurin, who is making $9.1 million this season, will be a restricted free agent this summer, meaning the Clippers can match offers from any other team in free agency. For a team bombarded with an unexpected trade request just days before Thursday’s deadline, adding Maturin is probably as good a trade as you’re going to get for an aging 36-year-old star.

The NBA is as young as it’s ever been, and Maturin is an ideal investment player as a proven 17+ point scorer to complement the Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard, John Collins and Derrick Jones Jr. this season and beyond. He’s also evolving into a capable on-ball defender who can hold his own against the pick-and-roll.

The ultimate Clippers trade class

For a team that turned their season around from a 6-21 start to a 17-6 record over their last 23 games, the Clippers will look to build on that momentum and end the regular season on a high note amid their postseason efforts. However, their trade with the Pacers at the deadline is about their future more than anything else.

Benedikt Maturin will undoubtedly make his presence felt this season. However, the Clippers’ defense, which ranks in the bottom half of the NBA with a 117.2 defensive rating, just lost its anchor in Ivica Zubac. While Isaiah Jackson is a productive defender at the forward position, he is a playmaker at best.

It’s hard to evaluate the Clippers’ Ivica Zubac deal for Maturin, Jackson and future draft picks without considering the return of James Harden. And while Darius Garland, who hasn’t played since Jan. 14, recovers from a toe injury, Maturin will be one of the Clippers’ options on offense. All while the Clippers hope to stay afloat in the competitive Western Conference.

However, evaluating one trade based on the previous day’s trade is never ideal. The Clippers parting ways with future Hall of Fame shooter Harden shouldn’t have to do with losing their best frontcourt defender. Only time will tell if Maturin evolves into an All-Star talent for the Clippers, and if the Pacers’ 2026 first-round pick falls between picks 5-9 — two factors that would make this trade a whole notch higher.

Clippers trade grade: C

The ultimate Pacers trade class

After their first Finals appearance in 25 years, the Pacers’ second in franchise history, the Pacers watched Tyrese Halliburton suffer a torn Achilles against the Thunder in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Then, Myles Turner, one of the Pacers’ mainstays alongside All-Star Pascal Siakam, agreed to a four-year, $108.8 million deal with the Bucks.

When you put the Pacers’ franchise situation into perspective, along with the Clippers’ history of trading away future first-round picks, it’s easier to understand why the Pacers overpaid Ivica Zubac hours before the trade deadline. Given the market, Zubac is as good a trade as they could get for Turner.

Now the Pacers, with the third-worst record in the NBA this season, are in position to compete at a high level in 2026-27. This is a playoff team when Halliburton returns, one that could advance toward the upper echelon of Eastern Conference teams next season, depending on how the Pacers approach the offseason.

They are off to an impressive start so far. Zubac will thrive with the Pacers in the East, as the defensive center will undoubtedly reach his first All-Star selection now that he has left the Western Conference. He is also entering his best years, because Zubac turns 29 in March.

Pacers trade grade: B+