With the NBA trade deadline looming, the Indiana Pacers find themselves in a pivotal spot - not just as potential buyers, but as a team with a clear need and some intriguing assets to work with. After Myles Turner’s offseason move to Milwaukee, Indiana’s frontcourt rotation has been left with a noticeable void. And as the playoff race heats up, the Pacers are actively exploring ways to fill it.
The buzz around the league suggests Indiana is zeroing in on adding a center, and a few names have consistently surfaced in trade conversations. Utah’s Walker Kessler, Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton, and New Orleans rookie Yves Missi are all reportedly on the Pacers’ radar. Each brings a different skill set to the table - Kessler with his rim protection and rebounding, Claxton with switchability and athleticism, and Missi as a high-upside project still finding his NBA footing.
But as is always the case at the deadline, it’s not just about who you want - it’s about what you’re willing to give up. And that’s where things get interesting for Indiana.
Among the names being floated as potential trade chips are young bigs Jarace Walker and Isaiah Jackson. Both are still developing, and moving either would be a calculated bet on a more immediate upgrade.
But the most notable name in the mix? Bennedict Mathurin.
Mathurin is having a solid sophomore campaign, averaging 17.8 points and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 43.3% from the field and 37.2% from three. Those are strong numbers, especially considering the increased workload he’s taken on with Tyrese Haliburton sidelined. He’s shown he can create his own shot, score in bunches, and stretch the floor - all valuable traits for a young wing in today’s NBA.
But his growing role has also sparked questions about his long-term fit in Indiana, particularly once Haliburton returns to full strength. With Mathurin approaching restricted free agency, the Pacers have to weigh whether he’s part of their core moving forward or a valuable trade piece who could help land the kind of frontcourt anchor they’re missing.
This isn’t just about roster balance - it’s about timeline and identity. The Pacers are building around Haliburton’s elite playmaking and pace, and the right center could elevate that system even further.
A vertical threat who can protect the rim and thrive in transition would be an ideal pairing. That’s why names like Claxton and Kessler make so much sense - both fit the mold of a modern big who can complement Indiana’s up-tempo style.
As the deadline inches closer, expect Indiana to stay active in conversations. They’re not in a full rebuild, but they’re also not standing pat. This is a team with playoff aspirations and a front office that understands the value of timing - and right now, the opportunity to make a meaningful move is there.
The next few days could shape not just the rest of this season, but the direction of the Pacers’ roster for years to come.