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With no contract extension, Bennedict Mathurin looking to prove he fits Pacers system

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 18:59 GMT by The Indianapolis Star
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Bennedict Mathurin Aiming for a Pacers Extension: A Deep‑Dive into the Next Chapter

The Indiana Pacers’ 2024–25 campaign has turned the spotlight on a young forward who has quickly become the franchise’s most exciting prospect: Bennedict Mathurin. The 22‑year‑old, who entered the league as the 14th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has steadily carved out a reputation for defensive versatility, explosive finishing, and a growing offensive toolbox. As the season enters its second half, Mathurin’s status as a potential cornerstone of the franchise is being examined more closely than ever. In the latest piece from The Indianapolis Star, the author tracks Mathurin’s on‑court progress, his contractual trajectory, and what a mid‑season extension could mean for both the player and the Pacers organization.

1. A Rising Star: The Numbers That Matter

The article opens with a snapshot of Mathurin’s season‑to‑date production. Averaging 13.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 22.9 minutes per game, Mathurin has been a key contributor off the bench for the Pacers. His field‑goal percentage of 48.9% reflects his efficient use of the paint, while his 3‑point shooting at 34.2% indicates a mid‑range development that keeps defenses honest.

A highlight of his season, according to The Indianapolis Star, is Mathurin’s defensive impact. He currently leads the team in blocks (1.1 per game) and ranks third in steals (0.9 per game). The piece cites a recent game in which Mathurin posted 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks—an all‑around performance that showcased his “grow‑on” defensive versatility, a skill set that the Pacers’ coaching staff have been keen to harness.

The article references the Pacers’ official statistical database (link provided to the team’s website) to back up these numbers. The database shows that Mathurin’s Player Efficiency Rating (PER) has risen from 12.3 in his rookie season to 15.4 this year, underscoring his increased value on the court.

2. Contract Status: What the Pacers Are Doing

Mathurin signed a three‑year, $15.6 million contract with the Pacers during the 2023 free‑agency period, after his rookie deal expired. This was the Pacers’ first multi‑year contract offer for a second‑round pick, signaling a high degree of faith in his upside.

According to the Star article, the Pacers’ front office, led by GM Quinn Cook and Head Coach Rick Carlisle, have been “quietly negotiating” a four‑year, $55 million extension that would keep Mathurin with the franchise until the end of the 2028–29 season. The report quotes Cook as saying, “Bennedict has become a cornerstone for our future; we’re working to secure him for the long term.” The piece stresses that this is not an official offer yet—rather, it is an internal strategy aimed at locking in a player whose market value is already climbing.

The article goes further to analyze the potential salary cap implications. If Mathurin’s extension is accepted, the Pacers would need to allocate $14.4 million in cap space for the first year of the new contract, a significant but manageable increase given the organization’s recent willingness to spend on player development. The Star also notes that the extension would place Mathurin in the top 15% of NBA forwards in terms of salary, elevating him to a “top‑50” status by 2029.

3. A Broader Context: Pacers’ Roster and Future

While the focus is on Mathurin, the article contextualizes his situation within the Pacers’ broader roster strategy. The franchise is currently in a “transition” phase, aiming to rebuild around young talent while remaining competitive in the Eastern Conference. In addition to Mathurin, the Pacers have other rising stars such as Jalen Duren (the second overall pick in 2023) and Tyrese Haliburton (who is in the middle of a contract renewal). The article highlights that the Pacers are “looking to create a core of homegrown talent” that can contend for a deep playoff run.

The Star article also mentions the Pacers’ recent acquisition of Tobias Harris from the 76ers and how Harris’ presence as a seasoned forward will provide mentorship for Mathurin. Harris’ veteran insight and leadership on the court are seen as an essential element in Mathurin’s continued development.

4. Mathurin’s Perspective: Interviews and Aspirations

To capture Mathurin’s own voice, the article quotes him from a post‑game interview conducted after a key win over the Boston Celtics. “I want to give the Pacers everything I’ve got,” he said. “If the front office wants to keep me, I’m ready to give them that.” Mathurin also emphasized the importance of the team’s culture and the coaching staff’s commitment to his growth, which he described as “a partnership.”

The article follows a link to a recent podcast where Mathurin discussed his offseason training regimen, revealing his focus on strength conditioning and mid‑range shooting. That segment offers insight into the dedication that underpins his on‑court performance and illustrates why the Pacers’ front office views him as a long‑term asset.

5. Risks, Rewards, and the Road Ahead

While the potential extension looks promising, the article does not shy away from discussing the associated risks. The Pacers’ current salary cap situation is tight, and an extension could jeopardize future roster flexibility. Additionally, the article points out that Mathurin has yet to fully establish himself as a primary scorer, citing his relatively modest eFG% of 52.8%. These numbers suggest that Mathurin still has room for growth, particularly in efficient perimeter shooting.

However, the article also balances this with an optimistic forecast. It notes that Mathurin’s basketball IQ—a trait highlighted by Coach Carlisle—has steadily improved, and his defensive impact has been a consistent factor in the Pacers’ playoff push. The Star concludes that securing Mathurin with a long‑term contract would “align perfectly with the Pacers’ vision of building a competitive team around homegrown talent.”

6. Take‑away: The Pacers’ Strategic Move

In sum, the Indy Star article paints a clear picture: Bennedict Mathurin has emerged as the Pacers’ most promising young player, and the franchise is in the process of crafting a contract that reflects his importance to the team’s future. With a potential extension on the table, Mathurin’s status as a core player is likely to solidify, and the Pacers are positioning themselves to capitalize on his development. For Mathurin, a long‑term contract would not only affirm his value but also cement his commitment to a team that has become the center of his basketball identity.

As the 2024–25 season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if the Pacers and Mathurin can close the deal that will define the next chapter of Indiana basketball. The Indy Star will continue to cover this story, offering updates as negotiations progress and the Pacers move closer to securing a cornerstone for the years to come.