Bennedict Mathurin must make career-defining decision sooner rather than later

Indiana Pacers forward Bennedict Mathurin (00). | Justin Casterline/GettyImagesWith his Indiana Pacers future up in the air, Bennedict Mathurin needs to show great improvements in his game next season as a team player and a good fit in the system.

Next season is going to be a big one for Mathurin. It will essentially be a contract year for him as he is not expected to get a rookie-scale contract extension this summer. However, it still remains to be seen if he is even in the Pacers' long-term plans.

The Canadian native is a prime trade candidate for Indiana, though it is not as simple as the team not wanting him anymore or just wanting to capitalize on his trade value. Instead, the Pacers may…