Ivica Zubac Heads to Indiana: Clippers Cash In, Lakers Left Wondering
Seven years after the Lakers traded Ivica Zubac for a short-term rental in Mike Muscala, the big man is on the move again-this time from the Clippers to the Indiana Pacers in a deal that says a lot about how far his stock has risen since that 2019 deadline day.
The Clippers sent Zubac to the Pacers in exchange for Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, two first-round picks, and a second-rounder. That’s a haul.
Mathurin, the No. 6 overall pick in 2022, is a high-upside wing with scoring pop, and Jackson brings athleticism and rim protection. Add in the draft capital, and it’s clear: the Clippers weren’t just moving a piece-they were cashing in on a valuable asset.
It’s a stark contrast to what the Lakers got back when they dealt Zubac in 2019. That deal brought in Muscala, who played just 17 games in purple and gold before heading to Oklahoma City in free agency.
At the time, it felt like a minor move. Looking back, it’s one that continues to sting for Lakers fans.
Indiana Makes a Win-Now Move-and a Statement
For the Pacers, this deal is about more than just upgrading at center. It’s about pairing Zubac with Tyrese Haliburton in what could become one of the league’s most effective pick-and-roll tandems. With Myles Turner out of the picture, Zubac steps into a starting role where his screen-setting, rebounding, and interior presence should complement Haliburton’s vision and pace beautifully.
This is a team that’s clearly looking to take the next step. And when Haliburton returns next season, Indiana will have a retooled core that’s built to contend in the East. Zubac might not be a flashy name, but he’s the kind of steady, reliable big that can anchor a playoff team.
Clippers Get Value, But It’s a Pivot
The Clippers, meanwhile, are shifting gears. After already making waves by trading James Harden for Darius Garland, this move signals a broader retooling. Zubac has been a consistent presence for LA-reliable in the paint, tough on the boards, and a quiet glue guy for a team that’s cycled through stars.
But when Indiana came calling with an offer this rich, the Clippers had to listen. It’s not often a team gets a young scorer like Mathurin, a live-wire big in Jackson, and multiple picks for a center who, while solid, isn’t typically the centerpiece of blockbuster trades. It’s a smart move for a team that’s clearly thinking beyond just this season.
The Lakers Angle: A Missed Opportunity That Still Hurts
For the Lakers, Zubac’s rise and eventual departure from LA-first across the hallway to the Clippers, and now out of the city entirely-remains a sore spot. It’s not just about what they gave up; it’s about what he became.
Zubac developed into the kind of center the Lakers could use right now: a dependable interior presence who doesn’t need touches to make an impact. Watching him thrive with the Pacers, potentially deep into the playoffs, is going to be a tough pill to swallow for a franchise that let him go for a 17-game stint of Mike Muscala.
And while it’s true the Clippers were never going to send Zubac back to the Lakers-especially not at a reasonable price-just knowing he was available and seeing the return LA’s crosstown rival got makes the original trade look even worse in hindsight.
Looking Ahead
Zubac lands in a promising situation, with a young Pacers team that’s hungry and built to compete. He’ll have a real shot at making postseason noise, and if things break right, maybe even more than that.
For the Clippers, it’s a calculated move-one that signals a shift toward youth and flexibility. And for the Lakers, it’s yet another reminder of a deal that never quite made sense, and one that continues to echo years later.
Zubac may be out of LA, but his impact-and the ripple effects of that 2019 trade-are still being felt. And if he and Haliburton get rolling in Indiana, don’t be surprised if Lakers fans find themselves imagining what could’ve been.
Just maybe not during the 2027 NBA Finals.