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Jamal Collier
multiple authors
Indiana Pacers acquisition centers are ivica zubac From los angeles clippers in exchange for benedict mathurin, isaiah jacksonTwo first-round picks and a second-round pick, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Thursday.
The move gives Indiana a new starting center in Zubac, who will fill the hole left by the center’s departure. miles turner In the offseason. The Pacers have a 13-38 record this season, one of the worst in the NBA, but the move to acquire Zubac could benefit the team in the future.
Zubac, who turns 29 next month, is averaging 14 points and 11 rebounds on 61% shooting this season. He is under contract through the 2027-28 season and will provide a new pick-and-roll partner for the Pacers when they star. Tyrese Haliburton Returned the following season from a torn Achilles.
Indiana also gets a third-year guard kobe brown In the deal.
Los Angeles is receiving a 2026 first-round pick from the Pacers, protected picks Nos. 1-4 and 10-30 and a 2029 unprotected Pacers first-rounder. If not selected in 2026 then it changes to unsafe first in 2031.
The 23-year-old Mathurin should contribute to the youth movement by the Clippers in recent days. Los Angeles also acquired Guard darius garland In exchange for the Cavaliers james harden. Mathurin is averaging 17.8 points and 5.4 rebounds on 43% shooting in 28 games this season.
Mathurin is in the final year of his rookie deal after not signing an extension with Indiana in the offseason and will become a restricted free agent in the summer.
