Indiana Pacers Trade Key Wing for Center in Bold Trade Idea

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The Indiana Pacers have had the worst possible season coming off an appearance in the NBA Finals. After coming two quarters away from winning the first NBA title in franchise history, they have suffered an injury-plagued campaign.

Tyrese Haliburton will not play the entire season as he continues to recover from a torn Achilles tendon that he suffered in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. This season, the Pacers have had Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, Obi Toppin, and T.J. McConnell all suffer injuries.

One bold trade proposal from Bleacher Report has the Pacers trading one of their key players for a center of the future, which is a big hole that they have in the roster.

GettyIndiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin shoots the ball. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Bold Trade Idea Sees Pacers Trade Bennedict Mathurin

Here is the full trade proposal:

Walker Kessler and Cody Williams to the Indiana Pacers for Bennedict Mathurin.

Mathurin was not given a contract extension over the summer. He was eligible for a rookie extension, but was not given one. His scoring has improved this season since being moved into the starting lineup, but he is still not a good enough playmaker to start when the team is fully healthy.

Trading him for Walker Kessler would give the Pacers a young center who can grow with the franchise. It would also signal that they would likely keep Jarace Walker as the backup wing to Aaron Nesmith. Walker is eligible for an extension next offseason.

Williams is still young enough that he could fight to be at the end of the rotation. If the Pacers are going to cash Mathurin in as a trade chip, they have to get a center who can pair well with Haliburton once he returns. There is still a shot they re-sign him in the offseason, though.

GettyWalker Kessler gestures during a game. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)

The Pacers Are Interested in Trading For a Center

No matter what the trade package is, the Pacers are interested in trading for a center this season. When Myles Turner left in the offseason, they had no one to take his spot. Bringing someone in this season so that they can get some chemistry with the rest of the roster would be smart.

Indiana also has a shot at getting a really good draft pick. Right now, the Pacers have the third-worst record in the league, which would give them a great shot at a top-five pick. Adding whatever player that would be would help the Pacers contend for a title next season.

Even if Kessler isn’t the right center, the Pacers will canvass the league for the right one. Currently, Kessler is out for the season after undergoing shoulder surgery. He wouldn’t be around to help the Pacers accidentally win games if they want to tank.

Mathurin is one of the few players Indiana has who can create his own shot off the dribble. Trading him would need to come with a massive return.

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