Tears will be shed, and sadness will sweep through the fanbase, as Ivica Zubac’s time with the LA Clippers is over; he is an Indiana Pacer. This is a heartbreaking moment, as Zubac has gone above and beyond for the Clippers, yet his deal capitalizes on the motive now, and for the future: a young era that can hang with the best of the best.
Zubac was traded to Indiana along with Kobe Brown for Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, two first-round picks, and one second-round pick.
The Pacers are sending Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, two first-round picks and one second-round pick to the Clippers for Zubac and Kobe Brown, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/AFQmRFVrMQ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2026
This trade does wonders for the Clippers, giving them quality draft capital, a former lottery pick on the rise, and a 24-year-old depth center with the capacity to aid Brook Lopez and Yanic Konan Niederhauser in the front court.
The LA Clippers found the perfect co-star to build around with Darius Garland
Ivica Zubac ended his career as an all-time great LA Clipper, but the front office got the most value for him. It was evident that they were adamant about holding firm on the price for him, and the result was far more than fans could have expected.
Mathurin, who is only 23, is currently averaging 17.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. He is shooting 43.3% from the field, 37.2% from beyond the arc, and 88.4% from the charity stripe.
He is doing extremely well for his age and has all-star potential, but what the Clippers had to examine was his performance in the 2025 NBA playoffs, when the Indiana Pacers reached the NBA Finals.
This was his first time ever in the playoffs, and he recorded double-figures across 22 games in just 17.5 minutes. In addition, he scored 27 points in a game three win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, and 24 in game seven.
Having this type of production next to a 26-year-old Darius Garland is absurdly good, and it is a job well done by the front office. They put their heads together amid James Harden’s contract demands and quickly pulled off a new chapter in the franchise's story that will bring benefits for the next 10 seasons.
Mathurin and Garland will also combine to help Kawhi Leonard win the third ring of his career this season.
That said, now that the Clippers have their future back-court set, they have the draft to look forward to, as well as financial flexibility down the road to capitalize on an era that will hopefully win a championship.