Clippers Snag Pacers’ Top Pick in Zubac Deal Fallout
The Indiana Pacers entered the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery with high hopes but left empty-handed, as their fifth overall selection shifted to the LA Clippers due to a prior trade for centre Ivica Zubac. This outcome, revealed on Sunday in Chicago, stems from a February deal that included protection clauses on Indiana’s draft assets. Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard promptly apologised to supporters on X while standing by the acquisition, highlighting the calculated risk involved.
Lottery Odds and the Pick’s Transfer
Indiana concluded the 2025-26 season with a dismal 19-63 record, second-worst in the league behind the Washington Wizards’ 17-65 mark. The NBA’s lottery system gave both teams, along with the Brooklyn Nets, identical odds: a 14 per cent shot at the top pick and 52 per cent chance of landing in the top four spots. For the Pacers to retain their 2026 first-rounder, it needed to fall within those top four positions under the trade terms. Washington surged to number one, reshuffling the board and dropping Indiana to fifth, triggering the automatic transfer to Los Angeles.
Pritchard’s Direct Response to Fans
In the wake of the lottery results, Pritchard posted a candid message on X, expressing regret over the turn of events. He acknowledged the gamble personally, noting surprise at the fifth-place landing despite the poor season record. Pritchard emphasised the necessity of adding a starting centre for competitiveness next year and praised the team’s resilience. This rare public admission of ownership underscores the front office’s accountability amid backlash.
Full Breakdown of the Trade Package
The February exchange went beyond the 2026 pick. Here is the sequence of assets Los Angeles received from Indiana:
- A 2026 first-round pick protected in the top four, which conveyed at number five.
- A 2029 first-round pick without protections.
- An unprotected 2031 first-round pick as a contingency should the 2026 selection stay top-four protected.
Regardless of lottery results, the Clippers secured two future Indiana first-rounders, with the timing hinging on Washington’s strong draw.
Strategic Reasons Behind Acquiring Zubac
Indiana’s decision hinged on addressing a critical gap at centre after Myles Turner departed for the Milwaukee Bucks in July 2025 free agency. The team struggled to fill that role throughout the season, prompting aggressive pursuit of Zubac. His contract offers value: $20.3 million for 2026-27 and $21.7 million for 2027-28, after which he hits free agency. These figures suit a contending squad, aligning with Pritchard’s vision of competing against top teams in 2026-27 rather than tanking for picks.
Assessing the Long-Term Impact
Critics argue the 19-63 finish yielded no rookie talent on a cost-controlled deal, depleting Indiana’s draft reserves—a vital resource for small-market teams. The 52 per cent odds favoured retention, making the loss sting more acutely. Yet, Zubac provides a reliable starter locked in for two seasons at reasonable cost, bolstering the frontcourt.
Haliburton’s Return Shapes Next Steps
Central to recovery is Tyrese Haliburton, the All-Star point guard sidelined all season by an Achilles injury from Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. His return, alongside Zubac, forms a promising foundation. Indiana must add shooting and bench depth, but a healthy Haliburton validates the trade’s premise: the team was one key piece from contention. The lottery cost reflects ambition over caution, with on-court results to determine its wisdom.
