As the NBA trade deadline looms, the Indiana Pacers find themselves in a familiar position - a young, talented player in Bennedict Mathurin is at the center of tough decisions that could shape the franchise’s future. The 23-year-old wing has shown flashes of brilliance, but the question isn’t just about talent. It’s about fit, timing, and the long-term vision in Indiana.
Let’s be clear: Mathurin can hoop. He’s a dynamic scorer, capable of putting pressure on defenses in a way that few young wings can.
He’s physical, he’s confident, and when he gets downhill, he’s a handful. But the Pacers are building around Tyrese Haliburton’s playmaking and, now, Pascal Siakam’s versatility.
That means the system leans heavily on movement, pace, and unselfishness - and that’s where things get complicated.
Mathurin thrives with the ball in his hands. He’s not a spot-up shooter waiting in the corner; he’s a creator who wants to attack.
That’s not inherently a problem, but it does raise questions about how he meshes with a team that’s trying to flow through Haliburton’s vision and Siakam’s all-around game. Is Mathurin a long-term starter in this setup?
Or is he a high-octane scorer off the bench? And if it’s the latter, how much are the Pacers willing to pay to keep him?
That’s why Indiana has to at least listen to offers. With Mathurin eligible for restricted free agency this summer, and the Pacers still needing to solidify their frontcourt for the long haul, it makes sense to explore the market. A potential trade could bring back a true replacement for Myles Turner - someone who can anchor the paint and complement Haliburton and Siakam in a more traditional way.
But let’s not get it twisted: this isn’t a “sell low” situation. The Pacers shouldn’t be looking to move Mathurin just to clear the books or shake things up.
If they trade him, the return has to be significant. He’s still on a rookie contract, he’s still improving, and he’s shown he can take over games.
That kind of upside doesn’t come around often, and Indiana would be wise to protect that value.
There’s also a strong case for keeping him and figuring it out later. Depth matters - especially when you’re trying to make a leap into serious playoff contention.
Mathurin gives the Pacers another weapon, someone who can take pressure off Haliburton when defenses key in. And if Indiana does see itself as a contender next season, having a scorer like Mathurin in the rotation could be a major asset.
So where does that leave the Pacers? In a spot where flexibility is key.
They can’t afford to be rigid, but they also shouldn’t be desperate. The smart move is to keep all options on the table.
If the right offer comes - one that clearly improves the team’s core or fills a glaring need - then you make the move. But if not?
You hold onto Mathurin, let the season play out, and reassess in the summer.
In a league where timelines and talent windows are everything, Indiana’s decision with Bennedict Mathurin is less about what he is today and more about what this team wants to be tomorrow.