Although Bennedict Mathurin is battling arguably the worst slump of his career, just before the playoffs, Zach Lowe mentions that he still loves the Ivica Zubac trade on ‘The Bill Simmons Podcast.’ Why? Because the Clippers received great value, and with lottery day highlighted, the outlook of the move could get a whole lot better, leaving fans thrilled for the future.
For context, Mathurin, in the month of April, is averaging 10.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, shooting 36.7% from the field and 21.4% from beyond the arc.
These numbers are abysmal, but to add to Lowe’s point, everyone must remember that Mathurin is only 23, with an abundance of time ahead to improve. And, on top of him, LA received Isaiah Jackson and draft assets with the potential to turn the future in the right direction.
The Clippers made a business decision that could transform the next era
It’s no secret that Bennedict Mathurin has been playing at a career-low level. He’s not scoring, drawing foul calls, and playing with the same fearless mentality he used to, which has led to frustration getting the best of him.
Even Tyronn Lue is aware, as he played Mathurin only 5 minutes in a must-win game against the Portland Trail Blazers because he was a liability off the bench.
As a result, understandably so, Mathurin’s dark days make it hard for those glancing at the trade that gave away a fan-favorite in Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers to believe the LA Clippers were winners.
However, the fact that may shed some light is that the Clippers have a 27.8% chance of landing the fifth overall pick in the 2026 draft and a 20.1% chance at sixth overall.
With their loss tonight, the Indiana Pacers clinched 2nd going into the draft lottery on May 10th. The furthest they can fall is 6th. If the pick ends up in the Top 4 (52.1%), they keep it. If it ends up 5th (27.8%) or 6th (20.1%), it goes to the LA Clippers.
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) April 13, 2026
Given that the lowest the pick can fall is sixth, the Clippers have just below a 50-50 shot at being in a position to roster one of the many generational prospects on the verge of entering the league.
In the event luck falls into the Pacers’ favor, and the Clippers won’t be on the clock in the upcoming lottery, LA could still be viewed as wise for trading Zubac, as they will have secured an unprotected first in 2031.
So, one way or another, no matter how it’s perceived, there was a ton of value that traveled to LA at the deadline. That’s ultimately Zach Lowe’s point of view, which must lead fans to join him in loving the return, even if Mathurin hasn’t found much success lately.
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