The Indiana Pacers aren’t expected to be major players at the trade deadline. However, the front office is looking to offload one of its expiring contracts to create depth and remain financially flexible.
While the trade discussions are being dominated mostly by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant, teams like the Pacers are quietly looking to make moves. They are not expected to make any significant roster changes, but word on the rumor mill suggests they’re aiming for a frontcourt upgrade.
Pacers Are Aiming to Trade One of Their Floor Spacers Away
The player on the trade block is 23-year-old wing Bennedict Mathurin. According to NBA Insider Brett Siegel, there’s a high probability that he’ll be moved ahead of the trade deadline. If they are unable to find a new home for him before Feb. 5, they will reportedly move him in the offseason.
“The talk around the NBA is that the Pacers are in discussions with multiple teams regarding Mathurin, and it is very likely he will be traded before Feb. 5,” Siegel wrote. “The Pacers have expressed interest in several notable centers around the league, including [Daniel] Gafford, [Yves] Missi, and Ivica Zubac.”
Siegel added that if a deal doesn’t happen by Feb. 5, the expectation is that he’ll be dealt in a sign-and-trade in the summer.
“The Pacers do not want to give him a long-term, high-paying contract,” Siegel added.
Mathurin is in the fourth and final year of his rookie contract, worth $ 29,936,173. This summer, he will become a restricted free agent, meaning he can seek a contract with another team.
However, the Pacers can choose to match any contract offered to him and retain him on their roster. The chances of him remaining in Indiana are slim, though, based on the latest rumors.
The center is the Pacers’ weakest position right now. The team has relied on Pascal Siakam to be their man in the middle, while he’s been backed up by Isaiah Jackson and Jay Huff.
Siakam, though lengthy, is undersized compared to most centers in the league. He’s only 6-foot-8 and has so far averaged only 6.9 rebounds per game, which is leading the team. Jackson, who averages 16.7 minutes of playing time, has grabbed 5.4.
Overall, the Pacers are also 21st in the league in rebounds per game with 43.0 through 48 outings.
Finding a suitable starting center is not a move that will change the Pacers overnight. What it does, though, is it provides them with a reliable rebounder who’ll ensure they can battle against taller teams on the boards.
This will become a necessity to becoming contenders again once Tyrese Haliburton comes back. Additionally, it will also allow Siakam to slide back to his natural position as a forward.
