Clippers Claim Pacers’ Pick: Zubac Deal Sparks Debate

Karan Singh
May 12, 2026
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Indiana Pacers fans felt the sting at the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery in Chicago. Landing at No. 5 meant their first-round pick shifted to the LA Clippers due to a February trade for centre Ivica Zubac. President of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard issued a public apology on X, owning the gamble while standing by the decision.

Lottery Odds and the Pick Swap

Indiana ended the season at 19-63, second-worst in the league behind Washington’s 17-65. Lottery rules gave them equal shots with Brooklyn:

  • 14% for the top pick
  • 52% chance for top four

Top-four protection on the 2026 pick was key. Washington jumped to No. 1, bumping Pacers to fifth. That triggered the transfer to LA.

Pritchard’s Direct Response to Fans

Post-lottery, Pritchard posted on X: “I’m really sorry to all our fans. I own taking this risk. Surprised it came up 5th after this year. I thought we were due some luck. But please remember – this team deserved a starting center to compete with the best teams next year. We have always been resilient.”

This mix of accountability and justification hit home. Rare for execs to admit fault so openly after a deal sours.

Trade Breakdown

Clippers got:

  • 2026 first-rounder (top-four protected; conveyed at No. 5)
  • 2029 first-round pick
  • 2031 unprotected first if 2026 stayed top four

LA secures two Indiana firsts regardless. Washington’s rise decided 2026 over 2031.

Reasons Behind the Zubac Move

Indiana chased contention, not tanking. Key drivers:

  • Centre gap: Myles Turner left for Milwaukee in 2025 free agency. No solid replacement followed.
  • Contract value: Zubac’s deal: $20.3 million in 2026-27, $21.7 million in 2027-28. Free agent after. Good rates for a reliable starter.

Pritchard eyed a competitive 2026-27 around returning Tyrese Haliburton.

Trade-Offs for Indiana

Critics highlight lost draft ammo for a small-market team. No top pick means no cheap rookie talent after a poor year. With 52% odds to keep it, bad luck stings.

Upside: Zubac fills the five spot affordably for two years, aiding a win-now push.

Haliburton’s Return Shapes Outlook

Tyrese Haliburton sat out 2025-26 with an Achilles tear from the 2025 NBA Finals Game 7. His health pairs with Zubac for a strong core.

Needs: Shooting, bench depth. Success hinges on Haliburton regaining All-Star form.

Franchise Path Forward

Pritchard’s choice prioritised now over future picks. Pacers bet on competitiveness with Haliburton back. Zubac adds rim protection and rebounding.

Time will tell if the cost matches the gain. For now, Indiana rebuilds around health and new pieces, not lottery hopes.

Author Karan Singh