Indiana Pacers fans are reeling after their team surrendered a valuable draft asset in the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery. Landing at the fifth spot on Sunday in Chicago triggered the transfer of their first-round pick to the LA Clippers, stemming from a mid-season trade for centre Ivica Zubac. Pacers president Kevin Pritchard issued a public apology on X, acknowledging the gamble while standing by the decision to bolster the roster.
This outcome highlights the high-stakes nature of NBA trades involving protected picks. Below, we unpack the lottery details, the trade specifics, Pritchard’s response, and Indiana’s next steps with Tyrese Haliburton eyeing a comeback.
Lottery Odds and the Pick Protection Breakdown
Indiana entered the lottery with strong odds for a high selection, thanks to their league-worst-but-one record of 19-63. Only the Washington Wizards edged them out at 17-65. The NBA’s lottery system gave both teams, along with the Brooklyn Nets, identical probabilities:
- 14% chance for the No. 1 pick
- 52% odds of securing a top-four spot
To retain their 2026 first-rounder, the Pacers required a top-four finish. Instead, Washington’s jump to the top spot shuffled Indiana to No. 5, activating the trade protection clause and sending the pick straight to Los Angeles.
Pritchard’s Direct Message to Disappointed Fans
In the wake of the results, Pritchard took to X to connect with supporters, blending accountability with rationale.
“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 strike a balance: owning the downside while emphasising the trade’s intent to elevate the team’s competitiveness. Such candidness from an executive is rare, especially post-setback.
Full Details of the Zubac Acquisition
The February swap wasn’t just about the 2026 pick. Here’s what the Clippers gained in the package:
| 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 top four) |
Regardless of the lottery, LA secured two future Indiana firsts. The fifth-place landing simply accelerated their haul.
Strategic Reasons Behind the Bold Move
Indiana’s front office targeted Zubac to address a glaring gap left by Myles Turner‘s departure to the Milwaukee Bucks in July 2025 free agency. The team struggled without a reliable starting centre all season.
Zubac’s deal sweetened the pot:
- $20.3 million for 2026-27
- $21.7 million for 2027-28
These figures offer solid value for a productive big man, aligning with a contention push rather than a full rebuild. Pritchard’s post underscored this: equipping the squad to challenge top teams in 2026-27.
Balancing Risk and Roster Needs
The 52% top-four probability made retention likely, but the Zubac addition prioritised immediate impact over draft lottery hopes. Critics argue it squandered a prime chance at cheap talent, yet the contract fits a win-now window.
Assessing the Long-Term Impact
For a mid-market team like Indiana, future picks are gold. This trade depletes that stockpile without delivering a top-four rookie. The 19-63 campaign yielded no high-end prospect, amplifying the sting.
Still, Zubac provides stability at centre for two seasons—valuable for surrounding a healthy Haliburton with proven pieces.
Haliburton’s Return Shapes the Outlook
The Pacers’ 2025-26 woes trace back to Tyrese Haliburton‘s Achilles injury in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. His absence tanked the team’s ceiling, paving the way for the poor record.
With Haliburton rehabbing and Zubac anchoring the paint, Indiana eyes contention. They’ll need shooters and bench depth, but the core duo offers promise. The lottery loss stings, but Pritchard views it as the cost of ambition—time will judge if it pays off.
