Bennedict Mathurin Reportedly Seeking $20–30 Million Annually in Contract Extension as He Eyes Bigger Role with Pacers Future

Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin is reportedly seeking a lucrative contract extension in the ballpark of $20 to $30 million per year, according to sources familiar with the situation. The 23-year-old rising star, who just completed his second NBA season, is coming off a productive year that has further cemented his role as a core piece of the Pacers’ future. Discussions between Mathurin’s camp and the Pacers front office are said to be ongoing, and while no agreement has been reached yet, the early numbers being floated around reflect Indiana’s recognition of Mathurin’s growth, potential, and market value.

The former No. 6 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft has been one of Indiana’s most promising young players since entering the league. In the 2024–25 season, Mathurin played 72 games, averaging 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 46 percent from the field in just under 30 minutes per contest. His ability to score in a variety of ways—slashing to the rim, midrange pull-ups, transition buckets, and improving outside shooting—has made him a versatile offensive weapon in Indiana’s rotation. While he has yet to fully break into stardom, the trajectory of his development has been strong, and the Pacers have taken notice.

What adds intrigue to the contract talks is that Mathurin is coming off a postseason in which he played a key role despite reduced minutes. In 17.5 minutes per game during the playoffs, Mathurin still managed to contribute 11.0 points per game, showing flashes of scoring efficiency and composure under pressure. Though his playing time dipped in the more veteran-heavy playoff rotation, Mathurin’s ability to make an impact in limited time did not go unnoticed. League executives, scouts, and insiders all seem to agree that Mathurin has the potential to evolve into a dependable two-way player with more reps and responsibility.

The $20–30 million range for a potential annual salary may sound steep to some observers, especially considering that Mathurin has not yet made an All-Star appearance or established himself as a primary option. However, when evaluating the current NBA market and the league’s rising salary cap, such figures begin to align with what is being paid to similarly skilled players in his age and production range. With the salary cap projected to continue increasing in the coming years, long-term deals in this range are becoming more common for talented players who are seen as foundational pieces.

From the Pacers’ perspective, locking in Mathurin to a long-term extension could be a wise move to solidify their young core around All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton. The Pacers made considerable strides as a team in the 2024–25 campaign, building on their identity as a fast-paced, high-octane offensive squad with a mix of youth and experience. Mathurin’s ability to get downhill, draw fouls, and play with physicality complements Haliburton’s vision and floor-spacing. As the Pacers continue to ascend in the Eastern Conference standings, securing long-term chemistry among their core contributors could be a key strategy to sustain success.

Still, negotiations of this magnitude are rarely straightforward. The wide range between $20 and $30 million suggests there is still room for debate about Mathurin’s current value versus his projected upside. One consideration for the Pacers will be whether they view Mathurin as a third option, a potential secondary scorer, or someone who could eventually emerge as a top-two offensive threat. If the team believes Mathurin is on track to become a star, then offering a deal closer to the high end of that range makes sense. However, if they are still evaluating his ceiling, a more incentive-based or team-friendly structure may be the route they pursue.

Mathurin’s representatives are likely banking on his production relative to minutes, his youth, and his room for growth as leverage. At just 23 years old, he already boasts a skillset that many players take years to develop. His physicality, confidence, and willingness to attack the paint make him a natural scorer. If he can continue to refine his outside shot and improve defensively, his value could rise significantly in the near future. The Pacers are surely aware of this potential, and they may have to decide whether to pay now at a price that could look like a bargain in a few years, or wait and risk paying more—or losing leverage—down the line.

An added layer to the extension talks is the competitive landscape of the NBA. Several teams around the league are flush with cap space and could pose a threat if Mathurin were to enter restricted or unrestricted free agency down the line. While Indiana does hold the advantage of offering him a rookie-scale extension now, any delay could open the door to other suitors, especially if Mathurin makes a leap in the 2025–26 season. The Pacers’ front office, led by President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard, is likely weighing not only Mathurin’s individual value but also the broader market context and internal salary cap planning.

With Tyrese Haliburton already on a max contract and other key players such as Myles Turner, Andrew Nembhard, and Jarace Walker developing in their respective roles, the Pacers will need to be strategic in how they allocate resources. Mathurin’s extension could be one of the pivotal financial decisions that shapes the franchise’s trajectory over the next several years. Committing $20–30 million annually is no small decision, and it speaks to the growing confidence the organization has in Mathurin as more than just a role player.

As for Mathurin himself, all signs point to a player who is both hungry and confident in his ability to grow into a star. Known for his assertive mentality and competitive spirit, Mathurin has never shied away from big moments or big expectations. During his college days at Arizona, he quickly established himself as a high-upside prospect, and that same fearlessness has carried over into his NBA career. He’s embraced the challenge of adjusting to the pro game, and even when facing limited opportunities or rotational changes, his scoring instincts and athleticism have continued to shine through.

His development curve suggests there’s still more untapped potential, particularly if he’s given a larger offensive role. With each passing season, he’s become more comfortable reading defenses, improving his decision-making with the ball, and working on his off-ball movement. His defense, while still a work in progress, has shown signs of improvement, especially when he’s locked in and focused. If Mathurin can become a consistent two-way presence, he could justify a significant investment and become a long-term starter or even a future All-Star.

Ultimately, the decision on whether to give Mathurin a $20–30 million annual deal may come down to the team’s internal projections and willingness to bet on upside. Front offices around the league are increasingly focused on locking up young talent before their breakout years, and this could be a case where the Pacers aim to get ahead of the curve. A deal in this range would represent not just a reward for Mathurin’s past performance, but a belief in what he can become as he enters the prime years of his career.

For now, the negotiations continue behind closed doors, but both sides appear to have reason to stay engaged. Mathurin wants to be a foundational part of the Pacers’ rise, and Indiana seems to value his contributions highly. Whether the two sides meet in the middle or land closer to the high end of the range remains to be seen, but the framework for a long-term partnership appears to be in place. If an agreement is reached, it could be one of the defining moves of the Pacers’ offseason—and a major signal that Bennedict Mathurin is ready to take the next step toward stardom.