There’s some smoke building between Indiana and New Orleans as the trade deadline approaches - and it centers around two young talents with very different trajectories.
The Pacers and Pelicans have reportedly kicked around a trade framework that would send Bennedict Mathurin to New Orleans and bring Yves Missi to Indiana. It's not a done deal, not even close, but it’s a concept both sides have at least explored.
And it makes sense why. This is the kind of swap where each team is looking to address a specific need - Indiana wants a starting-caliber big, and New Orleans could use a scoring punch on the wing.
Let’s start with Mathurin. The 23-year-old Canadian guard is in the final year of his rookie deal and is putting up a career-best 17.8 points per game.
He’s doing it in 32.2 minutes a night, shooting .423 from the field, .366 from three, and .876 from the line - solid numbers that show growth as a scorer. But injuries have slowed him down this season.
A right thumb sprain and turf toe have limited him to just 24 games, and even when he’s been on the floor, he hasn’t quite looked like himself.
Still, the potential is there. Mathurin is a dynamic wing who can create his own shot, run in transition, and hit from deep.
That’s exactly the kind of player the Pelicans could use to complement their core. And with the Pacers reportedly open to moving him - partly due to their already hefty $177 million in guaranteed contracts - this could be a real opportunity for New Orleans to buy low on a high-upside scorer.
But Indiana isn’t just giving him away. They’re still scanning the market, trying to see if they can get a better return for Mathurin before committing to anything. He’s headed for restricted free agency this summer, and the Pacers have to decide whether they want to pay up or pivot.
On the flip side, there’s Yves Missi. The 21-year-old center had a strong rookie campaign, averaging 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in just under 27 minutes per game.
He started 67 games and looked like a promising piece for New Orleans. But things have changed this season.
After drafting Derik Queen, the Pelicans have shifted Missi to a reserve role, and his minutes - and production - have taken a hit. He’s averaging 5.5 points and 5.5 boards in 18.8 minutes per game.
Still, Missi has drawn interest from more than just the Pacers. The Bulls are reportedly in the mix as well, and the Knicks have also made inquiries.
According to multiple reports, he may be the most sought-after Pelican actually available at the moment. That says something about how teams view his upside, even with the reduced role.
Contract-wise, Missi is on a team-friendly $3.4 million deal in year two of his rookie contract. Mathurin, meanwhile, has a $9.2 million cap hit.
That creates a bit of a math problem for the Pelicans, who are just $2 million shy of the luxury tax and $3.6 million below the first apron. To make any deal work, New Orleans would need to add more salary to the equation - and that could complicate things.
So, where does this leave us? We’re looking at two teams with complementary needs and two young players who could benefit from a change of scenery.
Indiana wants a big who can anchor the paint and grow with their core. New Orleans needs shooting and shot creation on the wing.
There’s a fit here, but the financials and broader market interest could shape how - or if - this deal actually comes together.
For now, it’s one to keep an eye on as the trade deadline nears. The pieces are intriguing, the motivations are clear, and the phones are definitely ringing.