Pacers Acquire Ivica Zubac in Mathurin Deal

Merlin sees the Pacers acquired Ivica Zubac from the Clippers in a deal that sent Bennedict Mathurin to Los Angeles. The pickup addresses Indiana’s need for a frontcourt anchor after losing Myles Turner and shifts the team’s focus to next season while Tyrese Haliburton rehabs his Achilles. Indiana is 13-38 now, so this is a long game move. Zubac is a "double-double threat every time he steps on the floor," averaging 14.4 points and 11.0 rebounds on 61.3 percent shooting. Paired with Pascal Siakam, a likely top four pick, and most of last season’s supporting cast returning, Merlin senses the Pacers traded present flashes for a sturdier future foundation.