NBA Trade Watch: Pacers Face Mathurin Decision, Celtics Eye Frontcourt Help, Heat Hold a Key Trade Chip
As the NBA season heats up heading into the new year, front offices across the league are already eyeing the trade landscape. For Indiana, Boston, and Miami, the next few months could bring pivotal decisions that shape not only their playoff hopes but their long-term roster construction. Let’s break down where things stand for each team.
Indiana Pacers: Bennedict Mathurin Forcing a Decision
The Pacers have a real choice to make with Bennedict Mathurin - and the clock is ticking.
After failing to secure a contract extension in October, Mathurin has responded with the kind of season that makes front offices sweat. He’s averaging 20.1 points per game and just put together back-to-back 25-point performances for only the second time in his young career. That’s not just a hot streak - it’s a player making a case for a bigger role and a bigger paycheck.
So what does Indiana do? They can ride this out and take Mathurin into restricted free agency this summer, where they’d have the right to match any offer.
But waiting comes with risk. If Mathurin continues trending upward, he could command a deal that forces the Pacers into uncomfortable financial territory - or worse, invites a bidding war they didn’t plan for.
The good news: Indiana has some breathing room. They’re projected to sit about $16 million under the luxury tax line next season (not accounting for a potential lottery pick), and they haven’t paid the tax since 2005-06. That financial flexibility gives them options - whether that’s locking Mathurin in now or waiting to see how the market values him.
Meanwhile, there’s another need looming. With Myles Turner gone in free agency, the Pacers are in the market for a starting center.
They’ve got the draft capital and some tradeable contracts to make a move if they want to be aggressive. The question is whether they see this season as the time to strike.
Boston Celtics: Overachieving and Re-Evaluating
This wasn’t supposed to be a contending year for the Celtics - at least not with three starters missing significant time. But here they are, still sitting near the top of the Eastern Conference standings, and Jaylen Brown is drawing early MVP buzz.
That kind of unexpected success can change a front office’s thinking.
If Jayson Tatum’s health becomes a question mark heading into the postseason, Boston could look to shore up its frontcourt. One potential path?
Packaging Anfernee Simons’ $27.7 million expiring contract with draft capital to bring in reinforcements. The Celtics aren’t hard capped, but they are dealing with apron-related restrictions, which means they have to thread the needle carefully when it comes to adding salary.
Still, Boston has multiple future first-round picks and a roster that’s already outperforming expectations. If they believe this team has a legitimate shot, don’t be surprised if they push some chips in before the deadline.
Miami Heat: Terry Rozier’s Contract Could Be the Key
The Heat are always lurking when it comes to trade season - and this year, Terry Rozier’s contract might be the key to unlocking something big.
Rozier’s $26.6 million expiring deal gives Miami a flexible, sizable trade chip. And after his October arrest and time away from the team, it’s possible both sides are open to a fresh start. That makes his contract even more intriguing - especially if a big name unexpectedly hits the market.
Miami is hard capped, but they’ve got multiple trade exceptions and several other expiring deals that could be used to build out a competitive package. If a star - say, someone like Giannis Antetokounmpo - becomes available, Rozier’s deal could be the piece that helps Miami get in the room.
What to Watch
- Indiana: Will they commit to Mathurin now, or let the market set his value this summer?
- Boston: Does their strong start push them into buying mode, especially if Tatum’s status is uncertain?
- Miami: Can they turn Rozier’s contract into a game-changing move?
The trade deadline is still weeks away, but the groundwork is already being laid. For these three teams, the decisions they make now could define their seasons - and their futures.