Tue Dec 16 05:30:00 UTC 2025: Pacers Eye Clippers’ Ivica Zubac to Fill Center Void
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Indiana Pacers are reportedly interested in acquiring Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac to address their need for a long-term solution at the center position. According to reports from Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Pacers have already reached out to the Clippers to inquire about the 28-year-old veteran.
The Pacers have a void in the middle after losing Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency. Currently, the team is utilizing a rotation of Isaiah Jackson, Jay Huff, and Tony Bradley while exploring potential acquisitions. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported earlier this week that the Pacers were actively seeking a center.
Zubac, coming off a season where he was named to the All-Defensive second team and finished second in Most Improved Player voting, is under contract for multiple seasons at roughly $18-20 million per year. This contract structure is said to appeal to the Pacers, who already have Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam on max deals.
Indiana possesses all of its own first-round draft picks and has several players who could be included in a potential trade package to match Zubac’s salary, including Obi Toppin, Bennedict Mathurin, and Jarace Walker.
However, it remains to be seen if the Clippers are willing to part with Zubac. Insider Jake Fischer has reported that the Clippers are not inclined to trade their starting center, while Siegel acknowledged “mixed signals” regarding the team’s openness to a deal. Some executives believe the Clippers would only consider a Zubac trade if offered multiple first-round picks.
The Pacers, looking to improve their frontcourt, are exploring all options.
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