The Indiana Pacers are back in the trade rumor mill, and this time, the chatter centers around a potential move for a young big man. With Myles Turner gone in free agency, Indiana’s frontcourt rotation has been left with a noticeable gap - one that Jay Huff has helped fill admirably on the defensive end, particularly as a shot blocker. But let’s be real: Huff, while solid, isn’t the long-term answer as a starting center logging 30+ minutes a night.
That’s why the Pacers have been actively exploring their options. Names like Daniel Gafford and Ivica Zubac have surfaced as potential targets, both offering different skill sets that could complement Indiana’s fast-paced, perimeter-oriented offense.
But there’s another name gaining traction - and it might surprise some fans. Sophomore center Yves Missi of the New Orleans Pelicans is reportedly on Indiana’s radar as a trade-deadline target.
And the price tag? It could include none other than Bennedict Mathurin.
Now, that’s where things get interesting.
Missi isn’t a household name - at least not yet - but there’s a lot to like about his game. He was one of the few bright spots in what was a rough 2024-25 season for the Pelicans.
A high-energy, rim-running big who thrives as a shot-blocker and rebounder, Missi brings a vertical threat on offense and a presence in the paint on defense. Just this past Thursday, he dropped a 12-point, 12-rebound performance in a win over the Brooklyn Nets, showcasing the kind of impact he can have even in limited minutes.
But there’s a reason Missi has been coming off the bench. The Pelicans made a bold move last offseason, trading away their unprotected 2026 first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks in order to draft Derik Queen - a move that signaled their belief in Queen as the future at the five. That decision has pushed Missi into a reduced role, despite his promising development.
That’s where Indiana sees an opening.
The Pacers are known for playing smart, forward-thinking basketball, and their front office has never been shy about making a bold move when the time is right. But trading Bennedict Mathurin?
That’s not a decision they’d take lightly. Mathurin, a dynamic scorer with elite athleticism, is arguably their most valuable trade chip outside of their core stars.
He’s still on a rookie deal, has shown flashes of being a 20-point-per-game guy, and fits the modern NBA wing mold to a tee.
So the question becomes: Is Yves Missi’s upside - as a rim-protecting, lob-catching, high-motor center - enough to justify moving on from Mathurin?
Morant? Kuminga? Latest NBA intel with @TomerAzarly and @BrettSiegelNBA — Clutch Scoops 1/15/2025 https://t.co/IOQoGwlmbK
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 15, 2026
It’s a classic “fit vs. talent” debate. Missi fills an immediate need and could grow into a long-term piece alongside Tyrese Haliburton and the rest of Indiana’s young core. But Mathurin has already proven he can contribute at a high level, and wings who can score in bunches don’t grow on trees.
This is the kind of trade that could define a team’s trajectory for years to come. If Indiana believes Missi is the right fit for their system and timeline, and if they’re confident in their ability to develop him into a high-level starter, then the move makes some sense. But giving up Mathurin would be a swing - a big one - and you better be sure you’re connecting if you’re going to take it.
With the trade deadline approaching, keep an eye on Indiana. They’re clearly not content to stand pat, and if Missi is truly the target, we could be looking at one of the more intriguing young-player-for-young-player swaps in recent memory.