The Indiana Pacers were not fortunate in the lottery, as their pick in the next NBA Draft was transferred to the LA Clippers as part of the Ivica Zubac deal made near the deadline. Pacers executive Kevin Pritchard apologized to supporters for the club’s defeat, but emphasized the need for a starting center. Well, Draymond Green, a Golden State Warriors veteran, believes the deal may be one of the worst in history.
During a recent episode of his podcast, ‘The Draymond Green Show,’ Green stated that if the Clippers’ No. 5 pick develops into an All-Star caliber player, the deal would hurt the Pacers no matter what.
“But I will say, tough luck man,” Green said. “You did get your starting center, but if it comes on the heels of a perennial All-Star and the Pacers do not win a championship, it might be considered one of the top-five worst trades ever. “
The Pacers’ deal for Ivica Zubac was clearly motivated by championship aspirations. The squad was coming off a trip to the NBA Finals, where they forced the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder to seven games despite Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles issue.
Last season was essentially a gap year for Haliburton as he healed from his ailment. However, with their star point guard likely to return next season, the Pacers have the foundation for a genuine Eastern Conference challenger. Following Myles Turner’s move to the Milwaukee Bucks, Zubac provides them with a starting-quality center.
However, only time will tell if the swap benefits both clubs, or if the Pacers get the short end of the stick.
