Reports have already surfaced suggesting that the Indiana Pacers want to upgrade their center position. Given how much of a long-term concern it is, this isn't a bad idea. But doing so would almost inevitably include moving on from Bennedict Mathurin, and that's just not worth it for this to happen.
There are some solid big men options out there for the Pacers to pursue. The best, most realistic one may be Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford, who the team is reportedly eying, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
In theory, Gafford would be a solid fit for the Pacers. He is a fantastic paint presence on both sides of the ball, is a solid rebounder, and is a big lob threat. Once Tyrese Haliburton returns, pairing him up with a center like him could be a great move. However, he is not a big enough upgrade to justify trading Mathurin (along with potentially Jarace Walker and draft assets), and that's what Indiana needs to keep in mind ahead of February's trade deadline.
Pacers shouldn't trade Bennedict Mathurin this season
Mathurin is not an untouchable ahead of this season's trade deadline. He is an impending restricted free agent, and there are still questions about his long-term role and fit in Indiana. In theory, trading him for a center makes sense, and it's not a horrible idea. However, the Pacers have to be picky with who they trade the Canadian native for.
Of all the possible centers that have been linked to Indiana (Gafford, Walker Kessler, etc.), the only one that may be worth trading Mathurin for is Los Angeles Clippers big man Ivica Zubac, who they reportedly have interest in.
Zubac is a fantastic rebounder and defender, and he is fresh off a career-best 16.8 points per game season. To give something, you have to give something, and if the Clippers are genuinely listening to calls on the 28-year-old, then trading Mathurin for him could make sense.
However, that is a big "if," and according to ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel, Los Angeles is reportedly not looking to trade Zubac this season.
"However, the Clippers have yet to tip their hand in terms of their plans this season and what will happen after their dreaded 6-18 start to the year. The organization has signaled that they have no interest in trading Zubac, yet rival teams believe LA would be willing to have open discussions if multiple first-round picks were offered for the center," Siegel wrote.
"As far as Zubac goes, the Clippers haven't been willing to discuss his future whatsoever, and the same goes for both James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. It still seems like LA is evaluating its position and attempting to find ways to add talent instead of becoming ultimate sellers at the deadline."
If the Pacers can actually get their hands on Zubac, then trading Mathurin wouldn't be the worst idea. However, this seems incredibly unlikely, and there aren't many other big men they can realistically acquire that would be worth trading the Arizona alum for.
Despite his long-term concerns, Mathurin is still an incredibly gifted scorer who is in the midst of a career year. In 15 games this season, he is averaging 20.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 44.6% from the field and 41.1% from beyond the arc. Additionally, he is moving the ball a lot more and is providing more defensive effort, which shows a willingness for him to buy into Indiana's system.
The 23-year-old provides a unique skillset for the Pacers, and he can be crucial to their long-term success as they aim to re-enter the title picture. The question marks around him are valid, but the team is better off keeping him around past this season, even if it means skipping out on landing a new starting center.