The Indiana Pacers and New Orleans Pelicans have held preliminary talks on a deal that would send fourth-year guard Bennedict Mathurin to New Orleans and second-year center Yves Missi to Indiana, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported.
Fischer described the proposal as an incomplete framework, noting that the Pelicans have shown interest in Mathurin while the Pacers continue to gauge the market for a starting-level center. Indiana is still exploring whether a stronger return exists for the 23-year-old guard, who is eligible for restricted free agency this summer.
Additional reporting from Brett Siegel (ClutchPoints) and Grant Afseth (Dallas Hoops Journal) previously linked New Orleans to Mathurin, and Michael Scotto (HoopsHype) first disclosed that Indiana had inquired about Missi earlier this month.
Player Profiles
Bennedict Mathurin: The Canadian guard is averaging a career-best 17.8 points in 32.2 minutes, shooting .423 from the field, .366 from three, and .876 at the foul line. A right thumb sprain and turf toe have limited him to 24 appearances and affected his performance. Entering the final season of his rookie contract, he carries a $9.2 million cap hit while the Pacers already have $177 million in guaranteed salary committed for next year.
Yves Missi: The 21-year-old center posted 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 26.8 minutes across 73 games (67 starts) as a rookie. After New Orleans drafted Derik Queen in June, Missi’s role shrank to 18.8 minutes per game, producing 5.5 points and 5.5 rebounds off the bench. He is earning $3.4 million in the second season of his rookie deal.
Salary Mechanics
Because Mathurin’s salary exceeds Missi’s by roughly $5.8 million, New Orleans—currently $2 million below the luxury-tax threshold and $3.6 million under the first apron—would need to include additional salary to satisfy trade rules.
Interest From Other Teams
Missi is drawing attention beyond Indiana. Fischer confirmed the Chicago Bulls as another suitor, and Scotto reported that the New York Knicks have also asked about the center. Among Pelicans players believed to be available, Missi is generating the most league-wide interest.
The discussions remain exploratory, and no agreement is imminent.
Source: HoopsRumors
