How can the Clippers secure their future? U.S. media propose a three-team trade: exchanging Zubac for a crucial first-round pick to rebuild

On December 12th Beijing time, following a 113-115 defeat to the Rockets, the Clippers have dropped three consecutive games and now stand at 6 wins and 19 losses, placing them second from the bottom in the Western Conference.

Bleacher Report, a well-known U.S. media source, considers the 2025-26 Clippers season utterly bleak and suggests a three-way trade to rescue the franchise’s future. The detailed proposal and analysis are as follows—

Complete trade proposal

Clippers receive: Jarace Walker, Isaiah Jackson, 2026 first-round pick (originally sent to Thunder), 2027 first-round pick (originally sent to Thunder)

Pacers receive: Ivica Zubac

Thunder receive: Clippers’ 2030 first-round pick, Clippers’ 2031 first-round pick swap rights, Clippers’ 2032 first-round pick, Pacers’ 2027 first-round pick, Pacers’ 2030 second-round pick, Pacers’ 2032 second-round pick

Why are the Clippers willing to make this trade?

To reclaim their own two future first-round picks, the Clippers must send out Zubac along with three future first-round picks. Though a significant cost, this investment is undoubtedly worthwhile.

For the Clippers, the value of the 2026 and 2027 first-round picks is priceless, unmatched even by the Thunder. This trade would grant the Clippers full operational freedom this season and next, allowing them to restart their rebuild, develop a more sustainable core, and break free from constraints caused by player age, injuries, and temporary rosters.

This roster flexibility is invaluable. The Clippers’ management could freely trade players like Harden and Leonard to maximize returns. Moreover, holding these two first-round picks aligns perfectly with the team’s plan to increase spending using Ballmer’s resources in the 2027 offseason.

Of course, this gamble by the Clippers carries risks. They are betting that the future picks they give up will be less valuable than the 2026 and 2027 picks. However, as the season progresses, this risk has significantly diminished.

The Clippers are well aware of their current weakness. If the season ended today, their record would likely secure them a top-four lottery pick. This draft class is highly regarded by experts. Even if they trade away Zubac (and possibly others), the Clippers are likely to maintain this ranking.

Why are the Pacers willing to facilitate this trade?

Generally, a team ranked fourth from the bottom in the league giving up future first-round picks is unwise. But the Pacers are far from an ordinary bottom-four team.

Once Haliburton recovers from his Achilles injury, the Pacers have a legitimate shot at the championship next season. Although his post-injury form is uncertain, adding a high-potential rookie plus Zubac can ease Haliburton’s burden and provide more flexibility if circumstances turn unfavorable.

The Pacers have no qualms about giving up these assets. Jarace Walker’s skill set and defense have shown no improvement, and his future with the team is unclear. Plus, he will be eligible for extension next summer, forcing the Pacers to decide on his contract soon.

The 2027 first-round pick might gain value, but if the Pacers improve next season, exchanging one first-round and two second-round picks for a starting center is a smart move. Zubac’s total salary for 2026-27 and 2027-28 is only $40.6 million, a very team-friendly contract.

While Zubac isn’t known for fast-break play, he performed well in the faster-paced Clippers lineup. His rim protection remains elite, and his lateral quickness when defending outside the paint is better than commonly perceived. Paired with Siakam, who lacks outside shooting, the Pacers can use Jae’Sean Tate to cover that gap. A defensive lineup of Zubac, Siakam, Nembhard, and Nesmith could set a very high defensive ceiling.

This trade won’t push the Pacers over the luxury tax this season, nor will it significantly increase salary pressure in 2026-27. After acquiring Zubac for Isaiah Jackson and Jarace Walker, the salary rises by about $4 million, keeping the team roughly $12.9 million below the luxury tax line next season. However, this year’s rookie class likely consumes much salary space, complicating restricted free agent Mathurin’s extension talks—though this issue is inevitable regardless of the trade.

Why are the Thunder willing to facilitate this trade?

For most teams, giving up a 2026 Clippers pick likely to be in the top four lottery is reckless, but the Thunder are an exception.

Firstly, no one can guarantee the pick stays in the top four, since before reclaiming it, the Clippers might strive for wins, affecting the draft position. Secondly, the Thunder currently don’t need this pick.

The Thunder’s roster depth is the best in the league, making them strong championship contenders. Even if they land the top pick, finding consistent playing time for a rookie wouldn’t be easy. Although their future salary commitments will rise, it’s still manageable now.

With rising league operating costs, it’s more crucial to stockpile controllable salary assets than just rookie picks. Moreover, the Thunder already have ample rookie pipelines; even after returning these picks to the Clippers, they will have at least two, possibly three, first-round picks in this June’s draft.

The Thunder’s future draft maneuvering space is limited, with no extra first-round picks beyond 2030. This trade grants them additional 2030 and 2032 first-round picks plus 2031 pick swap rights.

The Thunder can also keep Zubac by trading Dion and Kenrich Williams, balancing salaries though slightly exceeding the luxury tax line.

Zubac’s total salary before the 2027-28 season is $40.6 million, offering great value. As the Thunder’s payroll rises and if they decline Harttenstein’s $28.5 million team option next summer, Zubac’s retention becomes especially important.

Additionally, the Pacers’ 2027 first-round pick could appreciate in value since Haliburton’s future form is unpredictable. Even if the Thunder see it as around the 20th pick, gaining three first-round picks, a pick swap, and two second-round picks aligns well with their development plans and draft strategy, making this trade worth considering.