The Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors both have a number of players who are more than placeholders, having proven themselves capable and worthy of being part of their young core.<\/p>\n
In Indiana, the charge starts with Tyrese Haliburton<\/a>, who has transformed them into a playoff contender. Myles Turner<\/a> is the longest-tenured Pacers player but also their defensive anchor. At least that\u2019s what he is on the interior, as Aaron Nesmith<\/a> is their top perimeter defender. Bench pieces like T.J. McConnell<\/a> and Obi Toppin<\/a> cater to their preference for a fast pace offense.<\/p>\n Then there\u2019s Pascal Siakam<\/a>, the two-time All-Star that the Pacers were able to acquire<\/a> from the Raptors last season.<\/p>\n In Toronto, RJ Barrett<\/a> has become such a force<\/a> that the Raptors arguably have two faces. He and Scottie Barnes<\/a> are well-rounded franchise stars who could legitimately bring the organization back to their status as perennial playoff contenders. Gradey Dick<\/a> and Jonathan Mogbo<\/a>\u2019s specialties are on either end of the spectrum but have been revelations this season<\/a>.<\/p>\n Immanuel Quickley<\/a>, who was part of the trade package<\/a> that brought Barrett back home, is another core player.<\/p>\n One problem that both organizations face is that there still several players who haven\u2019t cemented themselves cornerstones. For the Pacers, the most talented<\/a> of them might be Bennedict Mathurin<\/a>.<\/p>\n For all of Mathurin\u2019s scoring instincts though, his tendency to take shots inside the arc but outside the restricted area runs counter to the Pacers\u2019 analytics-heavy approach. Additionally, he tends to hold the ball a tick too long as he scans the defense. Last, but perhaps not least, he turns the ball over more frequently than half of their regular rotation.<\/p>\n At the defensive end, he\u2019s made strides but \u00a0he\u2019s still a bit of a mystery.<\/p>\n That leaves Indiana with a slasher who has sticky hands and unreliable defense. The numbers for Mathurin \u201417.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game on 39.0 percent shooting from three \u2014are fine. The process is a bit of a different story, making him an under-the-radar trade candidate ahead of the deadline.<\/p>\n Because Mathurin is on his rookie scale contract, any trade between the two teams will involve younger or less heralded players. However, a package of Ochai Agbaji<\/a>, Bruno Fernando<\/a>, and a 2026 first-round pick could truly move the Pacers.<\/p>\n Agbaji is already an exceptional 3-and-D wing. In fact, he\u2019s Toronto\u2019s best. With Nesmith currently rehabbing from a severe ankle injury<\/a>, having him in the fold could help them stop the bleeding.<\/p>\n With Turner\u2019s backups both going down to Achilles injuries<\/a>, Fernando could benefit them as well. More of a hybrid big than true center, his energy and ability to stretch the floor don\u2019t truly separate him from Enrique Freeman<\/a>. His size and experience do though.<\/p>\n If the Raptors are also willing to send the Pacers the top-four protected first round pick that they received from them in the Siakam trade, there isn\u2019t much Indiana could complain about.<\/p>\nBennedict Mathurin On The Move?<\/h3>\n
What Would A Trade Look Like?<\/h3>\n
The Aftermath<\/h3>\n