In a blockbuster move at the NBA trade deadline, the Indiana Pacers sent Bennedict Mathurin to the LA Clippers, along with Isaiah Jackson and a couple of first-round picks. In return, the Pacers acquired Ivica Zubac, a player they’ve had their eyes on since Myles Turner’s unexpected departure in free agency.
The Pacers paid a steep price, particularly given Mathurin’s pedigree as the sixth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Known for his scoring ability, Mathurin is expected to make an immediate impact on a Clippers team hungry for offensive firepower.
Bennedict Mathurin on practicing with his new Clippers teammates and his fit with them:
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) February 19, 2026
“It's been great so far. I think we have great guys on the team. Everybody is pretty familiar with my game. So it kind of helps a lot. I think that there's still a lot more to do and still a… pic.twitter.com/tFGIPdwUno
“It’s been great so far,” Mathurin shared after his second practice with the Clippers. “We’ve got great guys here, and they’re already familiar with my game. There’s still a lot to learn, but I’m excited about the journey.”
Despite his talent, Mathurin struggled with consistent playing time in Indiana. Whether due to Rick Carlisle’s system or the need for more catch-and-shoot options alongside Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton, his minutes varied significantly last season.
In the Pacers’ 23 playoff games, Mathurin played under 15 minutes in nine of them, surpassing 30 minutes just once. His move to the Clippers offers a fresh start where his scoring skills are in high demand, and playing time shouldn’t be an issue.
“I think it’s just about being myself,” Mathurin said. “Ty Lue is going to let me play my game without restrictions. Playing alongside stars like Kawhi and Darius Garland is going to let me shine even more.”
Bennedict Mathurin on what he wants to prove with Clippers:
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) February 19, 2026
“I think that just doing it on a nightly basis, just showing up to work every day. I think that the ability of being consistent here is definitely more realistic, just in terms of role, coming to a new setting. And the… pic.twitter.com/pvfsplSoe9
Standing at 6-foot-5, Mathurin brings not only scoring but also the potential for strong defense. He’s eager to dispel any doubts about his defensive capabilities.
“I’d just say my aggressiveness. There are some wrong narratives about me not being able to play defense, but those who need to know, know. I’m ready to prove myself on that end.”
The past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind for Mathurin and Jackson, involving trades, travel, and the All-Star break. Now, they’re ready to settle in and make an impact with the Clippers.
“It’s been a lot, but I’m super grateful to get going for the second half of the season. It’s about being the player I want to be and the player the team needs to win.”
In his career, Mathurin has averaged 16.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, shooting 44.3 percent from the field. Before the trade, he was having a standout season with career-highs in points (17.8), rebounds (5.4), and assists (2.3).
The Clippers are set to resume their season with a back-to-back against the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers. With Mathurin on board, they’ll stay in California for two weeks, facing a mix of home and road games.