Four-Team Trade Idea Sends Mathurin to Bulls, Gafford to Pacers
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Bleacher Report’s cap analyst Eric Pincus has outlined a four-team trade concept linking the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans.
Proposed trade details
Chicago Bulls would receive
- G/F Bennedict Mathurin
- C Yves Missi
- C/F Kevon Looney
Indiana Pacers would receive
- C Daniel Gafford
- G Jevon Carter
- $9.2 million trade exception
New Orleans Pelicans would receive
- F Jarace Walker
- G Dante Exum
- Two trade exceptions
- Protected 2026 first-round pick from Chicago
Dallas Mavericks would receive
- G/F Dalen Terry
- Two trade exceptions
- Protected 2026 first-round pick via Portland (from Chicago)
Why the teams are mentioned
Pincus suggests Chicago is seeking upside to pair with Josh Giddey and rookie Matas Buzelis. Indiana would reinforce its center rotation with Gafford, who specializes in rim protection and lob finishes. New Orleans would add young pieces and future financial flexibility, while Dallas would turn Gafford’s recent acquisition into draft capital and expendable salary slots.
Key player numbers
Mathurin remains the centerpiece of the scenario; the 22-year-old averaged 17.8 points per game last season for Indiana.
Status of the proposal
The transaction is only theoretical and would require multiple salary-cap provisions, protections and trade exceptions to become legal under NBA rules. No team involved has publicly indicated movement toward completing the deal.
Source: Hoops Wire
