The Indiana Pacers entered the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery with high hopes for a franchise-altering selection, only to see their No. 5 spot send the pick straight to the LA Clippers. This outcome stems directly from a mid-season trade for centre Ivica Zubac, leaving president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard to apologise publicly while standing by the decision.
Fans are voicing disappointment after the lottery results in Chicago, but Pritchard’s front office weighed the risks carefully. Here’s a detailed look at the trade’s terms, the lottery mechanics that triggered the pick swap, and Indiana’s strategy moving forward with Tyrese Haliburton set to return.
Lottery Odds and the Pick Protection Trigger
Indiana wrapped up the regular season with a dismal 19-63 mark, second-worst in the league behind the Washington Wizards’ 17-65 finish. The NBA’s lottery system gave them solid odds for a high pick:
- 14% chance at the No. 1 selection
- 52% probability of landing in the top four spots
Protection in the Zubac deal shielded the 2026 first-rounder only through the top four. When Washington jumped to No. 1, it shuffled Indiana down to fifth, activating the transfer to Los Angeles. This left the Pacers without their own pick despite the poor record.
Pritchard’s Public Response to Fans
In the wake of the results, Pritchard took to X to connect with supporters, blending accountability with justification.
“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,”
His words highlight ownership of the outcome while emphasising the trade’s intent to bolster the roster for contention. Such candidness from an executive is uncommon, especially right after a setback.
Full Breakdown of the Zubac Trade Package
The February exchange wasn’t just about the 2026 pick. Los Angeles gained substantial future assets from Indiana:
- 2026 first-round pick (top-four protected, conveyed at No. 5)
- 2029 first-round pick
- 2031 unprotected first-round pick (as fallback if 2026 stayed top four)
Essentially, the Clippers secured two Indiana first-rounders regardless of lottery position, with the timing hinging on the draw. Washington’s strong bounce shifted the better one to them immediately.
Strategic Reasons Behind Acquiring Zubac
Indiana’s pursuit of Zubac addressed glaring gaps exposed by prior losses. Key drivers included:
The Need at Centre
Myles Turner‘s departure to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2025 free agency created a void at the five position. The Pacers struggled to fill it throughout the season, prompting aggressive trade talks.
Favourable Contract Terms
Zubac’s deal provides cost-effective production:
- $20.3 million for 2026-27
- $21.7 million for 2027-28
These figures suit a contending squad, followed by free agency eligibility. For a reliable starter, it’s a smart financial play.
Shift Toward Competition
Pritchard’s comments reveal a pivot from tanking to building a winner around returning talent. The front office prioritised immediate competitiveness over maximising draft position.
Assessing the Long-Term Impact
Critics argue the trade squandered valuable draft capital without a top-four outcome. Small-market teams like Indiana rely heavily on the lottery for affordable stars, and this deal depleted their stock in one move. The 52% odds favoured keeping the pick, making the loss sting more.
Yet Zubac delivers what they sought: a dependable centre locked in for two seasons at reasonable pay. Paired with Haliburton’s anticipated comeback, it could elevate the lineup significantly.
Haliburton’s Return Shapes Next Steps
The Pacers’ fortunes hinge on Tyrese Haliburton, sidelined all season by an Achilles tear from Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. His absence tanked the team’s performance, but a full recovery could transform them.
With Zubac anchoring the paint and Haliburton orchestrating the offence, Indiana gains a strong foundation. They’ll need to add shooters and bench pieces via free agency or smaller trades, but the core pieces are in place for a playoff push in 2026-27.
Pritchard’s gamble reflects a calculated bet on the present over future uncertainty. Time will tell if Zubac proves worth the high pick surrendered to the Clippers.