According to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, the Indiana Pacers still have interest in trading for Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac. However, Scotto also reported that, with the Clippers having won seven of their last eight games, they are even less likely to move on from the 28-year-old.
"Los Angeles Clippers 28-year-old center Ivica Zubac has drawn significant interest from several teams on the trade market. Predominantly, teams heavily called while the Clippers were in the midst of a 6-21 start to the season. However, amid winning seven of their last eight games, the noise around the Clippers selling off players has lessened for now," Scotto wrote.
"Among the notable teams to express interest in trading for Zubac were the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics, HoopsHype has learned."
The Pacers are not likely to trade for Ivica Zubac
The Pacers are reportedly looking to land a new starting center this season. Given that their center situation has mostly been inconsistent all year following the departure of Myles Turner, this seems like an obvious decision. If they want to re-establish themselves as title contenders next season, they need a dependable big man who can raise their ceiling.
Zubac is absolutely one of those players, but trading for him is looking increasingly more like a pipe dream at this point.
Last season, Zubac finished sixth in Defensive Player of the Year voting and earned All-Defensive Second Team honors for the first time in his NBA career. Through 30 games this season, he is continuing to make a big impact in Los Angeles.
This year, Zubac is averaging 15 points, 11 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1 block while shooting 60.1% from the field in 31.7 minutes. If the Pacers were to acquire him, he would address two of their biggest needs: rebounding and paint defense.
The seven-footer would be a big upgrade on many teams in the NBA, and that especially includes the Pacers. However, given the Clippers' recent surge, they likely don't have a lot of motivation to sell, especially when it pertains to Zubac, who is one of their most important players on the roster.
While trading for Zubac isn't entirely impossible, it's unlikely. This means that, if the Pacers are serious about landing an upgrade at center (and they should be), they will just have to pivot and look elsewhere.
The Pacers have also previously been linked to Daniel Gafford of the Dallas Mavericks and Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz. In his report, however, Scotto mentioned two new potential trade candidates for Indiana: Nic Claxton and Yves Missi.
Claxton is in the midst of his best offensive season with the Brooklyn Nets and has been their defensive anchor for years. However, they are in a full rebuild, and trading the 26-year-old could be the best move for both sides. This is where the Pacers come in, as they would greatly benefit from his defensive presence.
As for Missi, he was incredibly solid as a rookie with the New Orleans Pelicans last season. But with the emergence of Derik Queen, he has taken on a lesser role and could be a possible trade candidate. He is incredibly athletic and is a strong paint presence on both sides of the ball. The 21-year-old also has a ton of upside and fits the Pacers' timeline.
What the Pacers end up doing remains to be seen. But based on the latest reports, it's fair to assume that trading for a new starting center is priority No. 1 for them. If it happens, then great. But at this point, fans shouldn't expect Zubac to rep the blue and gold anytime soon, if ever.