The Indiana Pacers can extend Bennedict Mathurin before opening night, but the 6’6 wing is likely emboldened to bet on himself after the Warriors' saga with Jonathan Kuminga. Golden State is unable to get Kuminga to sign a contract, and the standoff will ultimately reward the player. The Warriors will sign-and-trade him, offer a contract he’s willing to accept, or lose him in unrestricted free agency in 2026. None of those are ideal scenarios from an asset management perspective.
Mathurin believes he can blossom into a star. He wants to back up his legendary trash talk, and the 6’6 wing has been an absolute bucket to begin his NBA career.