The Indiana Pacers are bracing themselves for a challenging 2025-26 NBA season. Superstar point guard Tyrese Haliburton is expected to miss the entire year as he recovers from a torn Achilles. Despite this significant setback, the Pacers remain focused on building a promising roster for future postseason success.
The team still boasts a talented group of young and ascending stars, including Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, and Bennedict Mathurin. With veteran head coach Rick Carlisle at the helm, these players should be able to keep Indiana competitive in a relatively weakened Eastern Conference.
Losing longtime center Myles Turner to the Milwaukee Bucks is a tough blow for the Pacers. However, Indiana may be able to find a suitable replacement for their stretch big man on the trade market.
### Pacers Trade Proposal Lands Jazz Center Walker Kessler
In a trade idea proposed by Fadeaway World’s Vishwesha Kumar, the Indiana Pacers would acquire Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler. Kumar explains, “This is where Walker Kessler fits in. Just 24 years old, Kessler averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game last season while shooting an absurd 66.3 percent from the field.”
Adding Kessler to the Pacers would be a game-changer. Not only would Indiana gain a dominant defensive presence and rim protector, but the trade would also bring in rookie Brice Sensabaugh. Sensabaugh showed promise as an outside scoring threat last season, averaging 10.9 points per game and shooting 42.2% from three-point range.
While parting ways with Bennedict Mathurin may be difficult given his contributions during the Pacers’ recent Finals run, the team’s need for a consistent center to anchor the defense long-term is a higher priority than Mathurin’s scoring punch off the bench.
### Would Utah Make the Deal?
Walker Kessler has been surrounded by trade rumors since his rookie season despite his evident upside. This mock trade presents Utah with an opportunity to cash in on his value while acquiring a proven scorer.
Kumar notes, “With Lauri Markkanen established as an All-Star scorer and Ace Bailey expected to make an impact, Mathurin could be a perfect fit as a high-usage wing who accelerates Utah’s rebuild. Mathurin thrives as a slasher and downhill driver, drawing fouls and putting pressure on defenses.”
Playing alongside Markkanen, Bailey, and a pass-first guard, Mathurin has the potential to reach the elusive 20 points per game mark while developing his passing and defensive abilities.
### A Win-Win Scenario
Ultimately, this trade makes a lot of sense for both franchises. The Pacers would sacrifice some offensive firepower but gain a defensive anchor capable of protecting the rim for over a decade. Meanwhile, the Jazz would obtain a potent scorer to complement their young core as they push toward taking the next step in their rebuild.
As the Pacers look to the future while navigating a challenging season ahead, a move like this could be the key to long-term success.
https://heavy.com/sports/nba/indiana-pacers/pacers-trade-idea-dumps-bennedict-mathurin/