Pacers cannot be tempted to trade this young star despite rival interest

The Pacers cannot make this trade.

Chicago Bulls v Indiana Pacers
Chicago Bulls v Indiana Pacers | Jeff Dean/GettyImages

There is only one week remaining until this year's NBA Trade Deadline, and Indiana Pacers fans will surely keep an eye on the rumors and reports to see what the team does as they aim to continue their hot streak past the All-Star break. While there is not a lot going on in Indiana, there are some storylines to keep an eye on, such as whether the team will trade Myles Turner and/or acquire Cam Johnson. However, there is reportedly another Pacer to monitor ahead of the trade deadline.

According to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times, many buyers around the league are monitoring Bennedict Mathurin.

"Indiana guard Bennedict Mathurin is being monitored by nearly every team seen as a buyer at the deadline, according to one scouting executive," Woike wrote.

Woike did mention, however, that a trade involving Mathurin seems rather unlikely as the Pacers have a higher asking price for him.

"But because the Pacers are playing such good basketball, the team is expected to seek a player it values while trying to recoup the first-round pick it spent on Mathurin in a deal."

Rival teams have interest in Bennedict Mathurin

By all accounts, the Pacers are playing this properly. Pacers fans know exactly how valuable Mathurin can be, especially when he is hot on offense, for now and for the long haul. The 22-year-old is in the midst of arguably the best year of his career and should only improve from here on out. Furthermore, he is eligible for a contract extension in the offseason, which the Pacers will likely give him. Naturally, trading him this season is not likely to be a good move for Indiana.

On the flip side, since they seemingly have a high asking price for Mathurin, it could make sense for the team to at least entertain offers. If the Pacers get an offer that they believe gives them fair value, then it could be smart to trade the Canadian native. However, the chances of this happening are slim, and the Pacers, barring a crazy trade offer, should stand pat and keep Mathurin rostered.

As Woike mentioned, the Pacers are playing great basketball right now, which makes a trade during the season unlikely. The Pacers are 26-20 and are just 0.5 games behind the No. 4 seed Milwaukee Bucks. After a slow start, the team looks primed for another deep playoff run. Making a trade, especially a bigger one that involved Mathurin, could mess with the team's chemistry and cause more problems than solutions.

Fans do not have to wait long before getting clarity on Mathurin's future with the Pacers. However, it seems that, in all likelihood, he will remain with the team for the foreseeable future.

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