NBA Trade Rumors: Budding Young Pacers Star Could Surprisingly Be on the Move
As the NBA trade deadline inches closer, the league’s front offices are buzzing with potential moves. One of the more surprising rumors making waves is that the Indiana Pacers may be looking to move a rising star from their roster: second-year guard Bennedict Mathurin.
Mathurin, who was selected with the 6th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has been a bright spot for the Pacers since entering the league. He quickly proved he could score at the NBA level, averaging 17.1 points per game as a rookie while showing flashes of his potential as a dynamic two-way player. This season, he has taken another step forward, averaging 19.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Despite his impressive performance, it seems the Pacers could be open to trading him, according to recent reports.
Why Would the Pacers Trade a Young Star?
On the surface, it seems puzzling that Indiana would even consider moving a player who has so much promise. However, there are several reasons why the Pacers might entertain the idea of trading Mathurin.
First, the Pacers’ overall roster construction is still a work in progress. While they have promising pieces like Mathurin and All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, the team has yet to establish itself as a consistent playoff contender. Indiana’s front office may be looking to consolidate talent and make a bigger push for a more immediate shot at playoff contention.
The Pacers have a wealth of young players and draft assets, including a highly coveted 2024 first-round pick. If they were to trade Mathurin, they could package him with some of their other assets to land a more established player, particularly a top-tier wing or a proven scoring forward who could help elevate the team’s chances of making the playoffs sooner rather than later.
Furthermore, with Haliburton emerging as the clear centerpiece of the team, the Pacers could decide that they don’t need two scoring guards in Mathurin and Haliburton, especially if they believe the value they can receive in return for Mathurin would better fit their long-term vision.
Potential Destinations
While nothing is imminent, several teams have been mentioned as potential suitors for Mathurin in the event that he is put on the trade market. The Phoenix Suns have been cited as one of the most interested teams. The Suns, who have struggled with consistent depth at the shooting guard position behind Devin Booker, could view Mathurin as a potential upgrade alongside Booker. Phoenix is in win-now mode, and adding a young, talented scorer like Mathurin could help them deepen their roster for a playoff run.
Another team that could enter the conversation is the Miami Heat, a team in search of additional perimeter scoring and youth to pair with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Mathurin would add a jolt of energy to the Heat’s offense, potentially providing the team with the athleticism and scoring punch it has been lacking in recent seasons.
The New York Knicks are also a team to watch. After acquiring former Pacers star Julius Randle a few years ago, the Knicks have been linked to various trades involving their young assets. New York has an abundance of intriguing players like RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin, and Immanuel Quickley, which could be attractive assets for Indiana in a deal. A Mathurin trade to the Knicks could create a dynamic scoring backcourt alongside Jalen Brunson, giving New York a potent offensive attack.
What Would the Pacers Want in Return?
If the Pacers do decide to move Mathurin, they would likely seek a combination of draft picks and a player who can immediately help the team’s competitiveness. The Pacers have a lot of young talent on the roster but may be looking to add a more established player to balance out their roster and make a push for the postseason.
A player with defensive versatility, a proven ability to contribute on both ends of the floor, or someone who can complement Haliburton’s playmaking ability could be key. The Pacers would also likely want to secure future assets, such as future first-round picks, to maintain flexibility in future seasons.
Final Thoughts
The idea of the Pacers trading Bennedict Mathurin is still speculative, but it has gained traction in NBA circles due to his growing value and the Pacers’ need to figure out their long-term roster construction. If Mathurin does indeed get traded, it would mark a major shift for the Pacers, who would be moving one of their young cornerstones. However, it’s clear that this could be the start of a new chapter for the franchise, one that could bring in assets that help push them closer to playoff contention in the near future.
As always, the next few weeks will be critical as the NBA trade deadline looms, and teams continue to evaluate their rosters and prepare for potential moves that could shape the league for years to come. Keep an eye on the Pacers as they weigh their options.
