{"id":584260,"date":"2026-02-05T15:18:19","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T15:18:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/584260\/"},"modified":"2026-02-05T15:18:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T15:18:19","slug":"double-double-leader-heading-to-the-pacers-in-deadline-trade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/584260\/","title":{"rendered":"Double-Double Leader Heading To The Pacers In Deadline Trade"},"content":{"rendered":"

INDIANA \u2014 The Indiana Pacers<\/a> are leading the race to land Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac<\/a> in a deadline-day trade, sources told Jake Fischer of The People\u2019s Insider. The Pacers continue to search for long-term solutions to their frontcourt concerns.<\/p>\n

Ivica Zubac Heading To The Pacers In Deadline Trade
\nPacers Emerging as Primary Suitor
\n\"NovNov 20, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) grabs the rebound during the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Fischer reported early Thursday, \u201cSources: After trading James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this week, the Los Angeles Clippers have continued receiving calls on starting center Ivica Zubac, with Indiana prime among his suitors.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Pacers have been linked to several centers this season. They have also remained connected to Zubac for months. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype previously reported that both Indiana and Boston showed<\/a> strong interest in him. Scotto also revealed that Los Angeles declined a proposal centered around Anfernee Simons<\/a> and a first-round pick.<\/p>\n

Sources: After trading James Harden to Cleveland earlier this week, the Clippers have still been receiving calls on starting center Ivica Zubac, with the Indiana Pacers prime among his suitors. <\/p>\n

More NBA here: https:\/\/t.co\/xQGgEzSyLj<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) February 5, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Clippers Signal Shift Toward Youth<\/p>\n

Zubac missed Wednesday\u2019s game for personal reasons. He averages 14 points and 11 rebounds per game this season. Los Angeles\u2019 recent decision to move Harden for Darius Garland<\/a> suggests the Clippers are shifting toward a younger timeline. The deal signals growing openness to acquiring young players and draft capital. The Clippers plan to leverage the summer of 2027 to rebuild a contender. Indiana can offer appealing young pieces like Bennedict Mathurin<\/a> and Jarace Walker<\/a>. The Pacers also control all of their future picks, giving them a strong trade package. The Clippers would want multiple first-rounders for Zubac per Brian Windhorst of ESPN. \u201cIf Ivica Zubac gets traded today, he\u2019s going to get traded for more than Anthony Davis was traded for. Multiple 1st-round draft picks,\u201d Windhorst said<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Credit:\u00a9 Eric Hartline-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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