Bennedict Mathurin’s Future in Indiana: Trade Chip or Cornerstone?
As the NBA trade season heats up, the Indiana Pacers find themselves at a bit of a crossroads with Bennedict Mathurin - a young, talented scorer who’s showing real signs of growth, but also someone who’s headed toward restricted free agency this summer. The question now is whether Indiana sees him as part of their long-term core or as a valuable trade asset with upside that could help them address more pressing roster needs.
Let’s break it down.
The Contract Clock Is Ticking
Mathurin didn’t receive a rookie-scale extension this past offseason, and that decision wasn’t all that surprising. The Pacers have historically avoided paying the luxury tax - they haven’t crossed that line since the 2005-06 season - and locking Mathurin into a new deal would push them closer to that threshold, especially with a lottery pick potentially coming in June.
Financially, the Pacers are projected to be about $16 million under the tax line next year, but that’s without accounting for any new contracts or draft picks. So, the front office is in a tight spot: keep a promising young player and potentially flirt with the tax, or move him now and maintain flexibility.
Fit vs. Talent
Mathurin’s game is built around scoring - plain and simple. He’s a gifted isolation threat who can create his own shot and fill it up from all three levels.
But here’s the rub: Indiana’s system under head coach Rick Carlisle thrives on ball movement and tempo. That’s not exactly Mathurin’s bread and butter.
Defensively, he’s been a step slow in the past. Playmaking?
Not his strongest suit either. Those concerns have made it harder for the Pacers to fully commit to him as a long-term fit alongside Tyrese Haliburton and the rest of their young core.
But this season, Mathurin is flipping the narrative.
A Step Forward This Season
Through 15 games, Mathurin is averaging 20.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. He’s shooting a strong 44.6% from the field and an even better 41.1% from three. That’s not just solid production - it’s the kind of efficiency that forces you to take notice.
And it’s not just the scoring. According to NBA.com, Mathurin is averaging a career-high 37.9 passes per game.
That number may not jump off the page, but it signals a shift in approach. He’s handling the ball more, making quicker decisions, and showing that he’s willing to play within the flow of the offense.
Defensively, the effort has been better too. He’s not going to make an All-Defensive team anytime soon, but he’s buying in more, and that matters.
The Trade Angle
Here’s where things get interesting: The Pacers are in the market for a starting center after losing Myles Turner in free agency. They’ve got draft capital, they’ve got tradable contracts, and they’ve got a deadline - Feb. 5 - to make something happen.
Mathurin, at just 23 years old, is the kind of player that could headline a deal for an impact big man. His offensive upside and improving all-around game make him a desirable piece for teams looking to build or retool.
But this is where Indiana has to tread carefully.
If they’re going to move Mathurin, it has to be for the right return - a legitimate upgrade at center who fits the timeline and the system. Trading him just to avoid a future contract decision would be shortsighted.
He’s not a finished product, but he’s trending in the right direction. And in a league where wings who can score and shoot are always in demand, you don’t give that up lightly.
Final Word
Bennedict Mathurin is proving he belongs - not just as a scorer, but as a more complete player than we’ve seen before. He’s making strides in the areas that once held him back, and he’s doing it while putting up impressive numbers.
The Pacers have a decision to make, and it’s not an easy one. If the right deal comes along, sure, Mathurin could be moved. But unless it’s a clear win - the kind that brings back a foundational piece - Indiana would be wise to hold onto him and see just how high his ceiling really is.
Because if this is just the beginning, the Pacers might already have something special on their hands.