Another Wildcat is packing his bags-this time for Los Angeles.
Just ahead of the NBA trade deadline, the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Clippers pulled off a significant deal centered around defensive anchor Ivica Zubac. The Clippers are sending Zubac to Indiana, and in return, they’re getting a package that includes 6-foot-9 center Isaiah Jackson, guard Bennedict Mathurin, two first-round picks (a protected 2026 and an unprotected 2029), and a second-rounder. Also heading to Indiana is forward Kobe Brown.
For Jackson, this marks a fresh chapter-and potentially a much-needed one.
The former Kentucky big man, who spent the 2020-21 season in Lexington before declaring for the draft, now joins a Clippers squad that suddenly has some intriguing frontcourt questions. With Zubac and Brown gone, L.A. is left with Nic Batum, John Collins, Brook Lopez, and Yanic Konan Niederhäuser up front. That opens the door for Jackson to carve out a role-especially if he can bring the same energy and rim protection that made him a first-round pick in the first place.
Jackson’s numbers this season with the Pacers haven’t jumped off the page-6.4 points and 5.6 rebounds in 16.8 minutes per game across 38 appearances (14 starts)-but his efficiency stands out. He’s shooting 58.2% from the field and nearly 69% from the line. He’s not a floor-spacer, but he brings vertical athleticism, shot-blocking instincts, and a motor that fits well alongside stars like Kawhi Leonard and newly acquired Darius Garland.
This could be the opportunity Jackson’s been waiting for. Since being drafted 22nd overall in 2021, he’s struggled to find consistent minutes in Indiana’s rotation.
Injuries haven’t helped-most notably a torn Achilles that limited him to just five games last season. Still, the Pacers saw enough to re-sign him this past summer to a three-year, $21 million deal.
Now, the Clippers inherit the final two fully guaranteed seasons of that contract.
For L.A., this trade is about more than just Jackson. Adding Mathurin gives them a dynamic young guard with scoring upside, and the draft capital adds flexibility for future moves. But for Jackson, it’s a shot at relevance-a chance to prove he’s more than just a throw-in.
He’s not alone in making moves this week, either. Jackson joins fellow Kentucky products Anthony Davis (traded to the Wizards), Rob Dillingham, and Nick Richards (both now with the Bulls) as former Wildcats on the move before the deadline.
It’s a new city, a new system, and maybe, finally, a real opportunity. Now it’s on Jackson to seize it.