As the NBA trade deadline approached on Thursday afternoon, a significant move altered the paths of two teams.
The Los Angeles Clippers traded center Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers for a deal centered around Bennedict Mathurin and additional draft picks.
On the surface, this trade seemed logical. Indiana addressed their need for a strong center following Myles Turner’s absence last season, acquiring a reliable player to stabilize their frontcourt.
However, the most interesting aspect of this trade was related to the draft picks involved.