Clippers Trade Longest-Tenured Player Ivica Zubac to Pacers

Clippers president Lawrence Frank praises Zubac's contributions after shocking trade deadline move.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The Los Angeles Clippers have traded their longest-tenured player, center Ivica Zubac, to the Indiana Pacers. Clippers president Lawrence Frank praised Zubac's contributions as an "elite rim protector and rebounder" during his eight seasons with the team. In return, the Clippers acquired younger players Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson, as well as three draft picks, as they look to field a younger roster alongside veteran stars Kawhi Leonard and Bradley Beal.

Why it matters

The Zubac trade is part of a series of high-profile moves by the Clippers at the NBA trade deadline, including sending veteran James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Clippers are looking to retool their roster with younger talent while keeping their championship window open with Leonard and Beal leading the way.

The details

Zubac, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016 and later traded to the Clippers in 2019, has been a key part of the Clippers' frontcourt for the past seven seasons. This season, he was averaging 14.4 points and 11.0 rebounds per game. In return, the Clippers acquired Bennedict Mathurin, a promising young scorer, and Isaiah Jackson, a developing center, from the Pacers, along with three future draft picks.

  • Zubac was drafted by the Lakers in 2016.
  • Zubac was traded to the Clippers in 2019.
  • Zubac spent the past 7 seasons with the Clippers.
  • The trade occurred at the 2026 NBA trade deadline.

The players

Ivica Zubac

An eight-year NBA veteran and the longest-tenured player on the Clippers, known for his elite rim protection and rebounding skills.

Lawrence Frank

The president of the Los Angeles Clippers, who praised Zubac's contributions to the team over the past seven years.

Bennedict Mathurin

A young, aggressive scorer acquired by the Clippers in the trade with the Pacers.

Isaiah Jackson

A promising young center acquired by the Clippers in the trade with the Pacers.

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What they’re saying

“Zu is one of the best centers in the NBA, the longest-tenured player on the team, and a pillar of everything we've done for the past seven years. He is an elite rim protector and rebounder who made himself into an effective offensive threat, a tribute to his hard work. We will miss Zu as a player and a person.”

— Lawrence Frank, Clippers President (profootballnetwork.com)

What’s next

The Clippers will look to integrate Mathurin and Jackson into their young core as they aim to contend for a championship with Kawhi Leonard and Bradley Beal leading the way. The Pacers, meanwhile, hope that Zubac can provide a veteran presence and help them improve upon their disappointing 13-38 record from this season.

The takeaway

The Clippers' trade of Ivica Zubac, their longest-tenured player, is part of a broader effort to retool their roster with younger talent while keeping their championship window open. The move highlights the Clippers' willingness to make bold decisions at the trade deadline to position themselves for future success.