The Indiana Pacers are about to go through a very transitional season, and it could be a challenging one.
They are going to be without Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner, which will limit their chances of returning to the Finals.
They are looking at the near-term future and also what lies beyond that, considering all of their options.
They have apparently not hashed out a deal with Bennedict Mathurin, and there is a good chance they will let him walk when he becomes a restricted free agent after this season.
“There has been no recent substantial dialogue on a potential long-term extension for Bennedict Mathurin and the Pacers. It appears as if Indiana will be comfortable allowing Mathurin to become a restricted free agent after this season,” Evan Sidery posted on X.
There has been no recent substantial dialogue on a potential long-term extension for Bennedict Mathurin and the Pacers.
It appears as if Indiana will be comfortable allowing Mathurin to become a restricted free agent after this season. pic.twitter.com/JXnQbDvFzF
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) September 28, 2025
Last season, Mathurin was good for 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists on 45.8 percent from the field.
He appeared in 72 games and started in 49 of them.
Haliburton is gone due to injury, and Turner is now with the Milwaukee Bucks, leaving two very huge holes in the roster.
The team will need everyone to contribute more, including Mathurin.
But the Pacers are leaving their options open about his future, and they will take a closer look at the situation when summer rolls around.
If Mathurin performs well, they could sign him to a new long-term deal.
However, if he doesn’t contribute like they want, the Pacers will be comfortable losing him.
A lot is on the line for the Pacers and Mathurin in the months ahead.
If he gets off to a great start in 2025-26, there could be rumors and negotiations around an extension for him.
NEXT: Rick Carlisle Reveals First Conversation With Tyrese Haliburton
