The Indiana Pacers traded Bennedict Mathurin to the LA Clippers in February 2026, ending one of the most entertaining eras in recent franchise history.

In exchange, Indiana received center Ivica Zubac, a solid big man who fills a roster need. Isaiah Jackson also went to LA in the deal. From a basketball operations standpoint, the trade makes sense. The Pacers needed size, and Zubac gives them that.

But for fans, this one hurts.

Mathurin arrived in Indianapolis in 2022 as the sixth overall pick in the NBA Draft. He left as one of the most beloved young players to wear the blue and gold in years. His time in Indiana was short, but his impact was real.

"I feel like I'm the best player in the draft," he said without hesitation. That wasn't arrogance. It was confidence, and Pacers fans ate it up.

Mathurin brought an energy to Indiana that had been missing. He wasn't afraid of the big moments. He talked trash to opponents. He played with a chip on his shoulder that made every game more exciting.

His swagger was infectious. In a league full of carefully managed personalities, Mathurin was refreshingly real. He said what he thought, backed it up on the court, and gave fans someone to root for beyond just the box score.

Indiana's 2023–24 season ended with a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, the franchise's deepest playoff run in a decade. While Tyrese Haliburton ran the show, Mathurin provided key scoring off the bench and stepped up in crucial moments.

The Pacers under Rick Carlisle are chasing a championship window. Haliburton is locked in as the franchise cornerstone. Pascal Siakam provides star power. Andrew Nembhard runs the offense with precision.

But Indiana lacked a true center who could protect the rim and rebound at a high level. Ivica Zubac, acquired from the Clippers, addresses that weakness. The 7-foot Croatian has been one of the league's most consistent centers over the past few seasons, averaging double-digit points and rebounds.

Zubac isn't as exciting as Mathurin. He doesn't bring the same energy or social media presence. But he fills a need, and championship teams are built on filling needs.

Pacers fans weren't ready to say goodbye.

Social media filled with tributes after the trade was announced. Highlight reels of Mathurin's best dunks and biggest shots circulated across X and Instagram. Fans shared memories of meeting him at community events, praising his willingness to engage with the fanbase.

In Los Angeles, Mathurin joins a roster built around Kawhi Leonard, Bradley Beal, and Darius Garland. The Clippers are pushing for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference, and they're betting Mathurin can be part of the solution.

At 23, Mathurin still has significant growth ahead. His shooting, ball-handling, and defensive awareness can all improve. With the right development, he has the ceiling of an All-Star guard.

Indiana's roster now features Haliburton, Siakam, Zubac, Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Obi Toppin, and a supporting cast built for contention. The Pacers are legitimate threats in the Eastern Conference.

The loss of Mathurin stings emotionally, but the franchise made a decision with the present in mind. Zubac immediately makes Indiana bigger and tougher. In a conference with Joel Embiid, Bam Adebayo, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, that matters.

The Pacers are all-in on winning now. Mathurin was part of the plan, until he became part of the price.