The Indiana Pacers are sending Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, and a significant package of draft picks to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown, according to reports from ESPN.
The trade package heading to Los Angeles includes Mathurin, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, and Jackson, a high-energy forward known for his shot-blocking. In addition to the players, the Clippers will receive two future first-round picks and one second-round pick from Indiana.
Heading to the Pacers is veteran center Ivica Zubac, who has served as a defensive anchor for the Clippers for several seasons. Indiana also acquires Kobe Brown, a versatile forward who was selected by Los Angeles in the first round of the 2023 draft.
This move represents a major shakeup for both franchises. The Pacers appear to be prioritizing veteran stability in the middle with Zubac, while the Clippers add a high-upside young scorer in Mathurin along with valuable draft capital. Mathurin has shown flashes of elite scoring ability during his young career, making him a centerpiece of the return for Los Angeles.
Per sources, the deal is finalized pending physicals. The specific years and protections on the draft picks involved have not yet been disclosed by the teams.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Sources & Original Reporting
