Despite the Pacers sitting at the 15th seed in the Eastern Conference, they just made a very intriguing move that can get them back in contention for next season. The Indiana Pacers just acquired Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Bennedict Mathurin, Jay Huff, and Isaiah Jackson, along with draft capital.
Before diving into the draft capital, which can be a strong boost for the Clippers, the most important takeaway is how the Pacers operated. Despite star Tyrese Haliburton being injured and the team being 13-38, their current situation did not stop them from making a move to win in the 2026-27 season. After their 2025 NBA Finals appearance, the Pacers are going all in to get back next season.
The Pacers being a bold small-market team must be respected
The reason why this matters to the Grizzlies, especially from the Pacers' perspective, is that Indiana is also a smaller market team that has a strong track record of getting to the playoffs. The Grizzlies have also made the playoffs in more than half of their seasons in Memphis. However, if they want to get over the hump, they have to take more risks outside the draft.
The Clippers got a very strong haul from the Pacers, receiving their 2029 unprotected first-round pick and the Pacers' 2026 first-rounder, which is protected in slots 1-4 and 10-30. The Pacers are taking a risk with the pick potentially falling into the 5-9 range; however, given the strength of the top four in this draft, it is a risk worth taking. The Pacers will still be very strong on paper, especially with Haliburton set to return next season.
Zach Kleiman has the flexibility to get bold
The Grizzlies already have a somewhat promising young nucleus of players to work with. Cedric Coward and Zach Edey are very strong foundational pieces, and the Grizzlies will very likely be able to add a star in a loaded 2026 NBA Draft. The Grizzlies are also getting flashes of potential from GG Jackson II, Cam Spencer, and Jaylen Wells.
Despite the Grizzlies drafting well lately, arguably their biggest failure since 2022 was the inability to surround Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. with the right veterans. Now, with 13 first-round picks in the next seven years, GM Zach Kleiman has additional flexibility to take similar swings to the Zubac trade. However, Kleiman cannot get too reckless, such as with the Marcus Smart trade and giving up multiple firsts to move up for Jake LaRavia.
It is no secret that the Grizzlies went in the opposite direction following their successful 2021-22 season. However, they have been given a path to get back to relevancy very quickly. By capitalizing on the 2026 NBA Draft and using future picks to acquire more high-level players, the Grizzlies could finally reach the NBA Finals, similar to a small-market team like the Indiana Pacers.