When it comes to NBA trade season, few things get the imagination going like a good old-fashioned multi-team blockbuster. And this one?
It’s a four-team, cap-juggling, asset-swapping special involving the Bulls, Pacers, Mavericks, and Pelicans. The kind of deal that would make even the most seasoned front office exec break out the whiteboard and calculator.
Here’s the proposed framework:
Chicago Bulls receive:
- Bennedict Mathurin
- Yves Missi
- Kevon Looney
Indiana Pacers receive:
- Daniel Gafford
- Jevon Carter
- $9.2 million trade exception
New Orleans Pelicans receive:
- Jarace Walker
- Dante Exum
- Two trade exceptions
- 2026 protected first-round pick from Chicago
Dallas Mavericks receive:
- Dalen Terry
- Two trade exceptions
- 2026 protected first-round pick (via Portland, from Chicago)
Let’s break it down.
Chicago Bulls: Betting on Upside
The Bulls walk away with the most intriguing piece in the deal: Bennedict Mathurin, a dynamic scorer averaging 17.8 points per game. He’s a shot-creator with real offensive juice and fits the timeline of a franchise that seems to be pivoting toward a rebuild centered around Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis. Adding Yves Missi, a raw but promising big, and Kevon Looney, a veteran glue guy with championship experience, gives Chicago both developmental upside and locker room stability.
This isn’t a win-now move-it’s about reshaping the roster around youth and potential. If Mathurin continues to trend upward, the Bulls might have found a key piece for their next core.
Indiana Pacers: Shoring Up the Frontcourt
The Pacers are one of the more intriguing teams in the East right now, and this deal signals a push to solidify their interior. Daniel Gafford brings rim protection, vertical spacing, and a motor that doesn’t quit. He’s a natural complement to Myles Turner, or insurance if Indiana wants to get creative with its rotation.
They also pick up Jevon Carter, a defensive-minded guard who can slot into the backcourt rotation, and a sizable trade exception that gives them flexibility down the line. For a team looking to make noise in the playoffs, this is a move that adds depth and toughness.
New Orleans Pelicans: Playing the Long Game
The Pelicans swap out some veteran pieces for youth and future assets, landing Jarace Walker, a versatile forward with two-way potential, and Dante Exum, who’s quietly played solid basketball in his return to the league. More importantly, they snag a 2026 protected first-round pick from Chicago and a pair of trade exceptions, giving them ammo for future deals.
This is a classic New Orleans move-adding young talent while keeping the door open for bigger swings later. With a roster already rich in talent, the Pelicans don’t need to rush. This gives them more flexibility without sacrificing much in the short term.
Dallas Mavericks: Turning Gafford into Assets
Dallas parts ways with Daniel Gafford, flipping his value into future picks and trade exceptions. They bring in Dalen Terry, a long, athletic wing still trying to find his NBA footing, but the real prize here is the 2026 protected first-rounder (via Portland, from Chicago) and the financial flexibility that comes with the trade exceptions.
For a team that’s already built around Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, this is about maintaining optionality. The Mavs are keeping their powder dry for a bigger move down the road, and this deal helps them do that without taking on long-term salary.
So... Will It Happen?
Probably not. Deals this layered and intricate rarely make it past the hypothetical stage.
But as far as trade deadline theater goes, this one has real entertainment value. It touches on everything we love about this time of year-team-building philosophy, cap maneuvering, and the eternal chase for that perfect roster fit.
And even if it doesn’t go down, it gives us a glimpse into how these four franchises might be thinking. The Bulls leaning into a youth movement.
The Pacers trying to level up. The Pelicans playing the long game.
The Mavericks keeping their options open.
In other words, the NBA trade machine is alive and well.