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Clippers Land No. 5 Pick After Trading Zubac to Pacers

5/11/2026

34 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Clippers Gain Pick

The Los Angeles Clippers got the No. 5 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft after Indiana fell to fifth in the May 10, 2026 lottery.
The pick came from a February 2026 trade sending center Ivica Zubac to Indiana for a first-round pick protected from No. 1-4 and 10-30.
Pacers GM Kevin Pritchard apologized on X and noted Zubac’s $20.3 million (2026-27) and $21.7 million (2027-28) contracts as Indiana’s new starting center.

Summary

Pacers Acquire Zubac

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle called the Ivica Zubac trade a win-win and said a plan exists if they miss a top-four pick.
Indiana ranked near the bottom in defensive rating, rebounding and points allowed in the paint before the deal.
Zubac, a 2025 All-Defense pick, provides screening, rebounding and passing for $42 million over two seasons, fitting Indiana’s budget despite max contracts for Haliburton and Siakam and a center shortage.

History

Historical Context

When the Orlando Magic won the 1992 NBA draft lottery and selected Shaquille O’Neal with the first overall pick, his rookie season boosted the team by 20 wins to a 41-41 record and earned Rookie of the Year honors. That defensive transformation inspires today’s Clippers move for center Ivica Zubac, as Pacers GM Kevin Pritchard and coach Rick Carlisle seek a similar rebounding upgrade.

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Clippers Gain Pick

The Los Angeles Clippers got the No. 5 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft after Indiana fell to fifth in the May 10, 2026 lottery.
The pick came from a February 2026 trade sending center Ivica Zubac to Indiana for a first-round pick protected from No. 1-4 and 10-30.
Pacers GM Kevin Pritchard apologized on X and noted Zubac’s $20.3 million (2026-27) and $21.7 million (2027-28) contracts as Indiana’s new starting center.

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