Pacers Landed Ivica Zubac After Pursuing Two Star Centers

Indiana secured their new center of the future after failed attempts to acquire Jarrett Allen and Onyeka Okongwu.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Indiana Pacers have acquired center Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers, securing their primary goal of identifying a new center for the future. However, before landing Zubac, the Pacers had also pursued two other star centers - Jarrett Allen of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Onyeka Okongwu of the Atlanta Hawks.

Why it matters

The Pacers' pursuit of Allen and Okongwu shows their commitment to upgrading their center position and building a competitive team around young star Tyrese Haliburton. Zubac, who is in the first year of a three-year, $19.6 million per year deal, is expected to anchor the Pacers' interior and help them make a push for the playoffs next season.

The details

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Pacers made significant attempts to acquire both Jarrett Allen and Onyeka Okongwu before ultimately landing a deal with the Clippers for Ivica Zubac. Allen is in the midst of a three-year, $90 million contract with the Cavaliers, while Okongwu is on a four-year, $15.5 million per year deal with the Hawks. In the end, the Pacers were able to acquire the 25-year-old Zubac, who is averaging 14.4 points, 11.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game this season.

  • The Pacers acquired Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers at the 2026 NBA trade deadline on February 9, 2026.

The players

Ivica Zubac

A 25-year-old Croatian center who was acquired by the Indiana Pacers from the Los Angeles Clippers. Zubac is in the first year of a three-year, $19.6 million per year contract.

Jarrett Allen

A 28-year-old center for the Cleveland Cavaliers who was a target of the Indiana Pacers. Allen is in the midst of a three-year, $90 million contract with the Cavaliers.

Onyeka Okongwu

A 24-year-old center for the Atlanta Hawks who was also pursued by the Indiana Pacers. Okongwu is on a four-year, $15.5 million per year contract with the Hawks.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Sources say Indiana called about 28-year-old Jarrett Allen, who is in the midst of a three-year, $90 million agreement in Cleveland. They also really valued Atlanta's Onyeka Okongwu, sources say, with the 24-year-old enticing them both because of his ability as well as his annual $15.5 million salary via his four-year pact with the Hawks.”

— Jake Fischer, NBA Insider (BasketNews)

What’s next

Zubac is expected to make his debut for the Indiana Pacers in the coming games as they look to build around him and Tyrese Haliburton for a playoff push next season.

The takeaway

The Pacers' pursuit of star centers like Allen and Okongwu demonstrates their commitment to upgrading their roster and building a contender around Tyrese Haliburton. While they ultimately landed Zubac, the team's willingness to explore multiple options shows their strategic approach to improving their team.