
Indiana Pacers’ Bennedict Mathurin Extension Decision: A Clear Choice Post-Thomas Bryant Trade
The Indiana Pacers are at a crossroads as they approach the 2025-26 NBA season, with critical decisions looming about their roster and financial future. One of the most pressing is whether to extend the contract of third-year guard Bennedict Mathurin, who is eligible for a rookie-scale extension this summer. The recent trade acquisition of center Thomas Bryant, combined with the departure of Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency, has reshaped the Pacers’ roster and financial outlook, making Mathurin’s extension a pivotal choice. With Mathurin’s breakout performance in the 2024-25 season and his elevated role as a starter following Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury, the case for locking him up long-term is stronger than ever. This article explores why the Pacers should prioritize extending Mathurin, the impact of the Bryant trade, Mathurin’s on-court value, and the broader context of Indiana’s roster strategy.
The Context: Thomas Bryant Trade and Myles Turner’s Departure
The Pacers’ acquisition of Thomas Bryant, reported in early 2025, was a strategic move to bolster their frontcourt after losing Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency. Turner, a cornerstone of the Pacers’ defense for nearly a decade, became an unrestricted free agent after his two-year extension, signed in 2023, expired. According to Last Word on Basketball (March 28, 2025), the Pacers faced financial constraints due to Turner’s expected salary increase from his $19.9 million deal, with projections suggesting Indiana was $22 million below the 2025-26 luxury tax threshold of $187.9 million without Turner’s contract. The team’s decision to let Turner walk, coupled with the Bryant trade, freed up cap space and shifted their focus toward younger, cost-controlled talent.
Bryant, a 6-foot-10 center with a career average of 9.4 points and 5.6 rebounds, brings rebounding and interior scoring at a lower cost than Turner’s projected salary. This move signals the Pacers’ intent to avoid the luxury tax, a threshold they haven’t crossed since 2005, while maintaining frontcourt depth. However, it also underscores the need to invest in high-upside players like Mathurin, who can anchor the team’s future alongside Haliburton and Pascal Siakam.
Mathurin’s extension talks have gained urgency following these roster changes. Reports from Hoops Central and The Cold Wire (August 2025) indicate that Mathurin is seeking an extension in the $20–30 million per year range, a significant jump from his current $9 million salary in the final year of his rookie deal. With the Bryant trade providing financial flexibility and Turner’s departure creating roster clarity, the Pacers should view Mathurin’s extension as a non-negotiable step to secure their core.
Bennedict Mathurin’s Breakout Season and Rising Value
Bennedict Mathurin, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has emerged as a cornerstone of the Pacers’ young roster. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 16.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists over 59 games, shooting 47.5% from the field and 35.5% from three-point range. These numbers reflect a significant leap from his first two seasons, particularly in rebounding and defensive contributions, areas where he previously struggled. His development into a team-first player, as noted by 8points9seconds.com (February 20, 2025), has been crucial, especially after stepping into a starting role following Aaron Nesmith’s ankle injury early in the season.
Mathurin’s ability to create his own shot and get to the free-throw line has added a dynamic scoring element to Indiana’s high-octane offense, which ranked among the league’s best in 2024. His performance during the Pacers’ 2025 NBA Finals run, where they finished with a 47-35 record, further solidified his value. A career-high 38-point game against the New York Knicks in November 2024, as highlighted by the Pacers’ official X account, showcased his scoring prowess and ability to deliver in clutch moments.
With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined by a torn Achilles, Mathurin has taken on an even larger role as the starting shooting guard for the 2025-26 season, as confirmed by head coach Rick Carlisle on the Basketball, She Wrote podcast. This opportunity positions Mathurin to prove his worth as a potential All-Star, further justifying a lucrative extension. His ability to score off the dribble, drive to the basket, and space the floor makes him a perfect fit for Carlisle’s system, which thrives on pace and versatility.
Why Extending Mathurin Is the Right Move
1. Long-Term Value Over Short-Term Savings
The Pacers’ financial situation, post-Bryant trade and Turner’s departure, provides enough flexibility to extend Mathurin without immediate luxury tax concerns. Delaying his extension until restricted free agency in 2026 could backfire, as League Alerts suggests, potentially leading to a $150 million-plus deal if Mathurin continues to improve. Locking him in now at $20–30 million annually secures a rising star at a reasonable rate, especially as the NBA salary cap is projected to rise with new media deals.
2. Building Around a Young Core
The Pacers’ core of Haliburton (when healthy), Siakam, and Mathurin is among the most promising in the Eastern Conference. Mathurin, at 23, complements Haliburton’s playmaking and Siakam’s versatility, creating a balanced attack. Trading Mathurin, as floated by some analysts due to cap concerns, would undermine Indiana’s title aspirations, as Sporting News argues: “For the Pacers to be legitimate title contenders, they must be willing to open up their wallets.” Extending Mathurin ensures continuity and chemistry, critical for a team that reached the 2025 Finals.
3. Market Dynamics Favor the Pacers
The center market’s weakness, as noted by Tim Bontemps, limited Turner’s leverage in free agency, and a similar dynamic could benefit the Pacers with Mathurin. Few teams have significant cap space in 2026, and Mathurin’s restricted free agency status allows Indiana to match any offer. However, proactively extending him now avoids the risk of a bidding war and demonstrates commitment to a player who has expressed loyalty to the franchise, as seen in his social media response to Turner’s departure.
4. Mathurin’s Upside and Fit
Mathurin’s growth as a two-way player, particularly in rebounding and defense, addresses previous weaknesses and enhances his fit alongside Haliburton and Siakam. His 35.5% three-point shooting, while streaky, adds a necessary dimension to the Pacers’ offense. As Sports Illustrated notes, Indiana will evaluate Mathurin’s consistency through the 2025-26 season, but his Finals performance and starting role make him a priority. Waiting could increase costs if he delivers another strong season.
Counterarguments: Financial and Roster Considerations
Despite the compelling case for extending Mathurin, some argue the Pacers should proceed cautiously. The team’s reluctance to pay the luxury tax, as highlighted by Last Word on Basketball, could force tough choices, such as letting TJ McConnell walk to accommodate Mathurin and other contracts. Additionally, Aaron Nesmith’s return from injury and his own extension eligibility in October 2025 complicate the financial picture, with Pacers president Kevin Pritchard emphasizing a patient approach to both players’ contracts.
Trading Mathurin, as suggested by 8points9seconds.com, is another option to avoid a cap crunch, especially with the team’s payroll approaching six figures. Interest from teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, noted by League Alerts, indicates Mathurin could fetch significant assets in a trade. However, trading a 23-year-old with All-Star potential for cap relief would be shortsighted, especially given Indiana’s championship aspirations and the lack of comparable replacements on the roster.
The Broader Context: Pacers’ 2025-26 Strategy
The Pacers’ offseason moves, including the Bryant trade and the signing of young forward Riley Minix on September 9, 2025, reflect a strategy of balancing cost-effective depth with investment in core players. The team’s decision to stand pat at the 2025 trade deadline, opting to rely on Nesmith’s return and Mathurin’s emergence, paid dividends with their Finals run. However, Haliburton’s injury and Turner’s departure have reshaped the roster, placing greater responsibility on Mathurin to lead the backcourt.
Training camp, starting October 1, 2025, at the St. Vincent Center, will be a critical period for evaluating Mathurin’s readiness as a full-time starter. The Pacers’ preseason opener against the Atlanta Hawks on October 8, 2025, and their regular-season debut against the Detroit Pistons on October 23, 2025, will provide early tests. Mathurin’s performance in these games could solidify his case for a $20–30 million annual extension, as reported by Jake Fischer.
The Pacers also face decisions about other players, such as McConnell and Nesmith, whose contracts could strain the budget. However, the financial flexibility gained from Turner’s departure and Bryant’s lower-cost deal provides a window to secure Mathurin without immediate luxury tax implications. The team’s projected starting lineup, featuring Mathurin at shooting guard, underscores his importance to their immediate and long-term plans.
The Indiana Pacers’ decision to extend Bennedict Mathurin should be a straightforward one following the Thomas Bryant trade and Myles Turner’s departure. Mathurin’s breakout 2024-25 season, elevated role as a starter, and fit within Rick Carlisle’s system make him a cornerstone of Indiana’s future. His reported $20–30 million annual extension demand is a reasonable investment for a 23-year-old with All-Star potential, especially with the financial flexibility afforded by recent roster moves. While cap concerns and competing contracts pose challenges, trading Mathurin or delaying his extension risks undermining the Pacers’ championship aspirations. By locking him in now, Indiana can solidify their young core, maintain continuity, and position themselves as contenders in the Eastern Conference for years to come. As training camp looms, the Pacers should act decisively to secure Mathurin’s future with the franchise.
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