The Indiana Pacers made a bold trade for Ivica Zubac that cost them the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and it proved that the franchise is all-in. They might just repeat this feat with their remaining draft picks for another bargain contract like Trey Murphy III. Obi Toppin and Andrew Nembhard are mid-tier salaries that could be packaged for an upgrade. The Pacers could trade first-round picks in 2027, 2031, and 2033 after this year’s draft, but that could cause some future pain.
The NBA's revamped lottery gives 16 teams a chance to land the number one overall pick and makes it so anything can happen. One season in the Play-In Tournament could mean getting the top pick. It figures to be wild, but the Pacers need to trade those selections for help right now.
Tyrese Haliburton led Indiana to the NBA Finals in 2025. The superstar guard will be back healthy to start the 2026-27 season and is ready to win the title. The playstyle will change with Zubac, and the Pacers may not be done making moves.
Ivica Zubac trade could be just the start of the Pacers going all-in
The cost of the Zubac trade has turned it disastrous. The Clippers fought hard to make the first of two draft picks top four protected and won the gamble. Indiana needed a starting center after Myles Turner’s departure. Zubac’s bargain contract and multiple years of control made him the perfect fit.
The Pacers have spending concerns. They never pay the luxury tax and are right up against the line for the 2026-27 season. That could be even more reason to trade multiple pieces for someone on a bargain contract like Murphy III. The Pelicans have set a high asking price, which would force Indy to send multiple picks and swaps out the door. Even with protections, those could turn into a repeat of the Zubac trade.
The Pacers gave up Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson in the Zubac trade. Jarace Walker could be the next young talent sent packing before a raise kicks in. Walker is entering the final year of his rookie contract. He will be a restricted free agent in the summer of 2027 if an extension isn’t struck before opening night. That could be another name the Pacers send out for an upgrade.
Pacers fans are no strangers to heartbreak. Watching Haliburton tear his Achilles after a hot start to Game 7 of the NBA Finals is a different level of pain. Deciding to tank in hopes of adding a top draft pick to their core only to lose it by one spot in the lottery added to the heartbreak. Don’t be surprised to see the front office make another bold move, and it will likely involve more pain.
The Ivica Zubac trade could be a blueprint for the Indiana Pacers next all-in move. They have three tradeable firsts this offseason and a desire to chase a championship. Even if one of those picks turns into a top selection, this is the Pacers' time. Credit to the front office for trying to maximize it and being willing to suffer to make that a reality.
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