Indiana’s front office doubled down on center Ivica Zubac when it shipped Bennedict Mathurin and what became the No. 5 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft to acquire him. The 27-year-old appeared in only five games for the Pacers after the February deal, several under a minutes restriction, leaving him with a steep learning curve heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
“It definitely helped … to get a feel for how this team wants to play,” Zubac said of the 118 minutes he logged under coach Rick Carlisle. The veteran must not only bounce back from an injury-shortened season but also master a faster, more perimeter-oriented system built around the returning Tyrese Haliburton.
Bucks Preparing for Busy Draft Night
Milwaukee owns the No. 10 selection on June 25 and is acting as if additional picks could be coming, a stance shaped by the expected departure of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the club is evaluating a wide range of prospects, with forward Nate Ament viewed by some executives as the lowest spot he might fall.
Bulls Zero In on Picks 4 and 15
Chicago is widely projected to grab forward Caleb Wilson at No. 4, provided the top three unfold as anticipated. Attention then shifts to No. 15, where wing Cameron Carr has drawn interest. The Chicago Sun-Times notes Carr fits new basketball operations chief Bryson Graham’s SLAP criteria—size, length, athleticism and physicality.
Pistons Target Shooting and Ball-Handling
After winning their most games since 2005-06, Detroit is exploring deals to address perimeter scoring and creation, according to the Detroit Free Press. Options include a three-team scenario that would send Tyler Herro to the Pistons as part of a potential Antetokounmpo trade, plus separate frameworks for landing Trey Murphy III or Kyrie Irving. Concerns with the Herro concept include his durability, defense and expiring contract status.
The Pacers’ internal development, Milwaukee’s draft maneuvering, Chicago’s two-pick strategy and Detroit’s trade hunt set the stage for a pivotal summer across the Central Division.
Source: Hoops Rumors
