If last year's conference finals run proved anything, it is that the Indiana Pacers can succeed without Bennedict Mathurin, as he missed the entire postseason due to a shoulder injury. This sentiment has been partially doubled down on this year. However, Mathurin is still an important part of Indiana's roster and is a huge reason they are in the position they are currently in, making it difficult to predict what the Pacers will do this offseason regarding a potential new deal for him.
Bennedict Mathurin is eligible for a new contract in the offseason
Mathurin has mostly struggled for the Pacers this postseason, especially during their first-round series against the Bucks, yet they still won convincingly. This included a 26-point victory in Game 4, which Mathurin missed. Additionally, the Pacers defeated the Cavaliers by 20 points in their Game 4 despite the third-year pro playing just one minute before getting ejected.
The Pacers continue to prove that they can win whether Mathurin is on the sidelines or is simply not making an impact in the game. However, he provides a lot of value as a bench scorer off the team, and he is still continuing to develop every season. While the team can technically succeed without him, he also provides a unique skillset to the team. Furthermore, it was clear that the Pacers missed him last year, even with their conference finals appearance.
Mathurin is eligible for a rookie-scale contract extension this summer, and what the Pacers opt to do could change the immediate outlook for the team. Signing him to a new deal could be a smart move for the Pacers as he is still just 22 years old and improving, but on the other hand, it has already been reported that they have no interest in paying the luxury tax next year. Given that the Pacers must also sign Myles Turner to a new contract this summer, that puts them in a tough spot.
The Arizona alum is creating a strange and difficult dilemma for Indiana. Do they just sign him to a new contract due to the value and potential he has, or do they move on from him because of their financial situation? It is too early to know for certain, but what the team decides to do with Mathurin in the offseason will be a crucial narrative for Pacers fans to follow throughout the entire summer.