Pacers Face Uncertainty Over Bennedict Mathurin’s Contract Extension
The Indiana Pacers are currently in the spotlight regarding the future of their promising shooting guard, Bennedict Mathurin. As the October 20 deadline for potential contract extensions approaches, predictions from ESPN analysts Bobby Marks and Tim Bontemps have sparked discussions about whether the young star will secure a deal or head into restricted free agency next summer.
Rising Star in the Spotlight
Bennedict Mathurin, a 6-foot-5 talent out of Arizona, has shown considerable potential since being drafted as the Pacers’ first single-digit pick in years. This season, Mathurin has stepped into the starting role, especially with the absence of Tyrese Haliburton, who suffered a devastating Achilles tendon injury during the NBA Finals in June. As the Pacers navigate this challenging period, coach Rick Carlisle’s confidence in Mathurin’s abilities may influence the team’s decision-making regarding his future.
Bontemps notes, “For a team that tends to keep its talent in-house, getting a deal done with Mathurin could make sense.” The Pacers, known for their reluctance to part with homegrown talent, might see extending Mathurin as a necessary move to secure their core as they rebuild.
Financial Considerations Loom Large
While Mathurin’s role is set to expand significantly this season, the financial implications of a potential extension present a dilemma for the Pacers. Marks highlights that the team has already committed approximately $80 million to Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, and T.J. McConnell for the upcoming season. This raises questions about whether Indiana can afford to add Mathurin’s projected salary without exceeding the luxury tax threshold.
“Mathurin’s minutes and production should increase this season with Haliburton out,” Marks explains. However, the Pacers’ financial constraints complicate the situation. An extension could push Indiana over the luxury tax and into precarious territory for the 2026-27 season.
What Could a Deal Look Like?
Should the Pacers decide to proceed with a contract extension, it is speculated that Mathurin could receive a four-year deal worth around $68 million, averaging $17 million annually. This figure reflects his performance over the past three years, during which he has distinguished himself as one of the standout players from his draft class, scoring over 3,000 points and leading all reserves in postseason points during the last campaign.
Despite these commendable statistics, the Pacers must weigh Mathurin’s on-court contributions against their financial limitations.
Future Outlook for Mathurin and the Pacers
As the deadline looms, the Pacers find themselves at a crossroads. While extending Mathurin could solidify their future, Bontemps suggests that the team might prefer to wait until he enters restricted free agency. “This one feels unlikely. Indiana, a team that hasn’t paid the luxury tax in decades, already has $160 million committed to seven players next season,” he adds, emphasizing the challenges the Pacers face in making a financially sound decision.
Last season, Mathurin played in 72 games, starting 49 of them and averaging 16.1 points per game, alongside 5.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists. His trajectory suggests a strong future, but the Pacers’ approach in the coming weeks will reveal much about their priorities and strategies moving forward. The decisions made now will undoubtedly shape the team’s landscape for years to come.
