Clippers Snag Pacers’ Top Pick: Zubac Cost Exposed
The Indiana Pacers entered the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery with high hopes but left empty-handed, gifting the LA Clippers their No. 5 selection. This stemmed from a February trade acquiring centre Ivica Zubac. President of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard issued a public apology on X, owning the gamble while standing by the decision to bolster the roster around returning star Tyrese Haliburton.
Lottery Odds and the Pick Swap
Indiana posted a dismal 19-63 record, second-worst in the league behind the Washington Wizards’ 17-65. Lottery rules gave them equal shots with Washington and Brooklyn:
- 14% odds for the top pick
- 52% chance of landing in the top four
To retain their 2026 first-rounder, the Pacers needed top-four placement due to trade protections. Washington jumped to No. 1, bumping Indiana to fifth. That triggered the automatic transfer to the Clippers.
Pritchard’s Direct Fan Response
Post-lottery, Pritchard posted on X: “I’m really sorry to all our fans. I own taking this risk. Surprised it came up 5th after this year. I thought we were due some luck. But please remember – this team deserved a starting center to compete with the best teams next year. We have always been resilient.”
This candid note balances regret with justification, highlighting the need for a true centre after Myles Turner departed for Milwaukee in 2025 free agency.
Full Breakdown of the Zubac Deal
The trade package sent to LA included significant future assets:
- 2026 first-round pick (top-four protected)—now No. 5
- 2029 first-round pick
- 2031 unprotected first-rounder as backup if 2026 stayed
Regardless of lottery results, the Clippers secured two Indiana firsts. Zubac’s arrival filled a glaring gap, signed to team-friendly terms:
- $20.3 million for 2026-27
- $21.7 million for 2027-28
These rates suit a contending squad, freeing cap space for other moves.
Strategic Rationale Behind the Move
Without Turner, Indiana struggled at centre all season. Pritchard viewed Zubac as essential for competitiveness, not tanking. The front office prioritised a win-now core over maximising draft odds, betting on Haliburton’s return from an Achilles injury sustained in the 2025 NBA Finals.
Critics argue the 52% retention odds made it a smart risk, but the outcome depletes draft capital for a small-market team reliant on homegrown talent.
Path Forward for Indiana
Haliburton’s full recovery pairs him with Zubac for a solid foundation. The Pacers must add shooters and bench depth via free agency or remaining picks. Pritchard’s stance frames this as the cost of contention, not rebuild. Success hinges on court results, not lottery bounces.
