Ivica Zubac pens heartfelt goodbye to the Clippers

The center thanks the team and fans after being traded to the Indiana Pacers

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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After being traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Indiana Pacers at the NBA trade deadline, Ivica Zubac took to social media to express his gratitude and say farewell to the Clippers organization and fanbase. Zubac, who had been with the Clippers since the 2018-19 season, thanked the team for giving him a chance to grow as a player and a man, and said the love and support from the fans meant everything to him.

Why it matters

Zubac's departure marks the end of a productive stint with the Clippers, where he had been a consistent contributor, averaging 14.4 points and 11 rebounds per game this season. His emotional goodbye highlights the strong connection he had built with the team and the city of Los Angeles over the past seven years.

The details

The Clippers traded Zubac to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, a 2026 protected first-round pick, a 2029 unprotected first-round pick, and a future second-round pick. In his farewell message on Instagram, Zubac expressed how difficult this moment is for him, but also expressed gratitude to the Clippers organization, especially owner Steve Ballmer, for trusting him and giving him a chance to grow as a player and a man.

  • Zubac had been with the Clippers since the 2018-19 season.
  • The trade occurred at the 2026 NBA trade deadline.

The players

Ivica Zubac

A 28-year-old center who had been with the Los Angeles Clippers since the 2018-19 season.

Steve Ballmer

The owner of the Los Angeles Clippers.

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What they’re saying

“Exactly 7 years ago, this team gave me a chance, and I never imagined it would work out this way. They allowed me to grow as a player and a man. Just wanna say thank you. Especially to the fans. From the moment I put on this jersey, you guys showed me love and support, on good nights and bad nights, never turned your back on me. That meant everything, and it was the reason I had such pride representing this jersey.”

— Ivica Zubac (Instagram)

“Loved being part of the Clippers family. Steve and [the] front office thank you guys for trusting me and giving me a chance, year after year. I leave with nothing but love, gratitude, and respect for this organization and all you guys. From top to bottom. I'll never forget these 7 years and [the] love I got here. Always love.”

— Ivica Zubac (Instagram)

What’s next

Zubac will look to bring his consistent production to the Indiana Pacers as the Clippers retool their roster for the future.

The takeaway

Zubac's emotional farewell to the Clippers highlights the strong connection he had built with the team and fanbase over his seven-year tenure, and underscores the bittersweet nature of trades in professional sports, where players must sometimes part ways with organizations they've grown to love.