The Indiana Pacers are reportedly actively looking for a center upgrade ahead of trade season. So far, the most popular potential candidates are Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler and Daniel Gafford of the Dallas Mavericks. But it seems that Indiana may be looking for an even bigger upgrade.
According to ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel, the Pacers are interested in Los Angeles Clippers big man Ivica Zubac.
"A variety of teams have already begun calling the Los Angeles Clippers to inquire about Ivica Zubac this season, sources said. Multiple suitors are expected to continue pursuing Zubac this trade season, and one of those teams is the Indiana Pacers," Siegel wrote.
Siegel does mention that, while the Clippers have made it clear they are not looking to trade Zubac, other teams in the NBA reportedly think they could still pry him away from them with the right deal.
The 28-year-old has gradually developed throughout his stint with the Clippers, now in his eighth season with the team, and has become a legitimate asset for them. Last season, Zubac averaged 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks while shooting 62.8% from the field. He also finished sixth in Defensive Player of the Year voting and was selected to the All-Defensive Second Team.
Things are not going well for Los Angeles at the moment. Despite many having high hopes for them after finishing with a 50-32 record last season and adding players like Bradley Beal, Brook Lopez, John Collins, and Chris Paul in free agency, they are in the midst of a disastrous season. They are 6-18 and have dealt with numerous injuries.
There are reasons to believe the Clippers could make some trades this season and build more towards the future. And if that's the case, that may entail them moving on from Zubac.
But should the Pacers pursue this trade?
The Pacers could benefit from acquiring Ivica Zubac
Zubac is probably the best center the Pacers could realistically trade for. He fits their timeline, is a fantastic paint presence on both sides of the ball, and is an incredible rebounder. Plus, he is in the first year of a solid three-year, $58.7 million contract extension he signed in September 2024.
He would immediately be an upgrade over guys like Jay Huff and Isaiah Jackson, and that is exactly what the Pacers are looking for.
In his article, Siegel mocked up a trade that saw Indiana land Zubac and Kobe Brown in exchange for Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker, a 2027 first-round pick, Dallas' 2028 second-round pick, and a 2030 second-round pick
Assuming the Clippers would be willing to do this trade, this might not be a bad move for the Pacers. They would get to keep Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard, and their 2027 first-round pick, in theory, shouldn't be all that valuable anyway as they should be back in the title picture by that point.
Losing Toppin and Walker would be tough, but you have to give something to get something. And, while trading them for a guy like Gafford doesn't make much sense, including them in a deal for Zubac might considering how much of an upgrade he would be.
The trade deadline is still a few months away, so there will be a lot of time to see what exactly the Pacers do. But if Siegel's report is true, it may culminate in them landing Zubac and bolstering their lineup significantly.