The Indiana roster for the 2024-25 NBA season seems firmly established, which is a positive sign. Despite a relatively quiet offseason, the Pacers’ front office focused on retaining key players, effectively keeping the core that propelled them to last season’s Eastern Conference Finals intact.
This summer, the Pacers re-signed Pascal Siakam, Obi Toppin, and James Johnson while also securing a long-term extension for Andrew Nembhard. Although some doubt their ability to replicate last season’s success, the Pacers are well-positioned to defy expectations once again.
With the 2024-25 season just a few months away, there’s much to anticipate for the Pacers, including position battles and the future of certain players on the roster.
In an article for Bleacher Report, writer Grant Hughes discussed lingering questions for every NBA team. When it came to the Pacers, Hughes questioned whether Benedict Mathurin and Jarace Walker are “trade chips” rather than future franchise cornerstones.
The notion of trading Mathurin or Walker is intriguing but comes with significant risks.
Mathurin, drafted sixth overall by the Pacers in 2022, has shown great promise. In his rookie season, he averaged 16.7 points on 43.4% shooting, earning a spot in the Sixth Man of the Year voting and finishing fourth in Rookie of the Year voting. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury cut his sophomore season short, causing him to miss the final month and the playoffs. Given his potential, trading Mathurin now would be a risky move for the Pacers.
Walker, on the other hand, had a lackluster rookie year but showed improvement in the 2025 Summer League. While trading him now might seem premature, it could become a viable option if he struggles to secure a spot in the rotation this season, especially if it means acquiring a player who could bolster the Pacers’ championship aspirations in the near future.
