Indiana Pacers entered the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery with high hopes but left empty-handed, gifting the LA Clippers their No. 5 selection. This stemmed from a February trade acquiring centre Ivica Zubac. President of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard issued a public apology on X, admitting the gamble while standing by the decision. With Tyrese Haliburton set to return next season, here’s a concise look at the fallout.
Lottery Odds and Pick Protection Explained
Indiana posted a league-worst second record at 19-63, trailing only Washington’s 17-65. Lottery rules gave them:
- 14% chance for No. 1 pick
- 52% odds for top four
Top-four protection on the 2026 pick meant safety only if they landed there. Washington jumped to No. 1, bumping Pacers to fifth. The pick conveyed to Clippers automatically.
Pritchard’s Direct Fan Apology
Post-lottery, Pritchard posted on X: “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.”
This owns the outcome while stressing the trade’s intent for contention.
Full Breakdown of Zubac Trade Assets
Clippers gained more than the 2026 pick. Key elements included:
| Asset | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026 First-Round Pick | Top-four protected (conveyed at No. 5) |
| 2029 First-Round Pick | Unprotected |
| 2031 First-Round Pick | Unprotected (backup if 2026 stayed) |
LA secures two Indiana firsts regardless, with timing hinging on lottery results.
Core Reasons Behind the Trade
Centre Need After Turner Exit
Myles Turner‘s July 2025 free-agency move to Milwaukee Bucks left a void at centre. Pacers struggled to fill it all season.
Zubac’s Favourable Contract
His deal offers value:
- $20.3 million for 2026-27
- $21.7 million for 2027-28
Then unrestricted free agency. Ideal for a contending squad.
Shift to Win-Now Mode
Pritchard eyed competition around Haliburton, not tanking for picks.
Assessing the Trade-Off Costs
Critics highlight lost draft capital for a small-market team. A 52% chance to retain the pick slipped away, yielding no cheap rookie talent despite the poor record. Yet Zubac addresses a key gap with team-friendly pay.
Haliburton’s Return Shapes Future
The star guard sat out 2025-26 after an Achilles tear in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Healthy alongside Zubac, Pacers gain a strong foundation. They’ll need shooters and bench help, but the core setup supports playoffs.
Pritchard’s risk bought contention potential. Success hinges on court results, not lottery bounces.