Bennedict Mathurin didn't need to say a word. Many NBA fans noticed that the Indiana Pacers player deleted the montage of old photos of his team. He even used a blacked-out profile photo, which added a mystery to his intentions.

With the NBA trade deadline less than a month away, the timing alone coincides with the circumstances. Is Mathurin on the verge of exploring other teams this time?

Mathurin's Best Season Comes at an Awkward Time

2025 NBA Finals: Bennedict Mathurin Lifts Pacers Past Thunder
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JUNE 11: Bennedict Mathurin #00 of the Indiana Pacers passes the ball between Jalen Williams #8 and Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter in Game Three of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 11, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Ironically, the speculatio arrives during the strongest season of Mathurin's young career. The fourth-year wing is averaging 17.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, while shooting efficiently from both the field and beyond the arc. His offensive game has matured, showing improved shot creation, composure, and confidence as a primary scorer.

On the court, Mathurin appears to be a legitimate long-term piece. However, FadeAwayWorld reported that the situation is more complicated outside the arena.

Pacers' Rebuild Clouds the Franchise's Direction

Indiana currently sits near the bottom of the Eastern Conference at 9–31, and the season has shifted firmly into evaluation mode. Tyrese Haliburton's ongoing absence with an Achilles injury has erased any short-term competitive outlook, forcing the Pacers to prioritize development over wins.

With that, Mathurin is forced to step up to be one of the main scorers. However, placing at the bottom of the power rankings doesn't sit right with any of the Pacers players.

Contract Uncertainty Raises Trade Value

Mathurin is in the final year of his rookie contract and is set to enter restricted free agency this summer. Despite his career-best production, Indiana has yet to agree to an extension. Around the league, that hesitation is often interpreted as a sign of flexibility rather than indecision.

A productive young scorer on an expiring deal becomes especially intriguing for front offices when a rebuilding team is experimenting with lineups and long-term plans.

Teams Monitoring the Situation

League executives are believed to be monitoring Mathurin's status closely. The Los Angeles Clippers stand out due to their projected cap flexibility and need for athletic wings who can score without heavy usage. The Dallas Mavericks also make sense as they continue shifting toward a younger core, where Mathurin's offensive skill set could flourish alongside future building blocks.

No formal talks have been reported, but interest often precedes action.

Silence That Speaks Volumes

Mathurin has not requested a trade, and social media activity alone does not dictate front-office decisions. Still, the combination of timing, contract uncertainty, injuries, and a struggling roster makes his future in Indiana feel increasingly unsettled.

Last year, Mathurin was involved in a trade rumor involving the Atlanta Hawks. He was one of the trade targets for the now-traded Trae Young. The other one was Jalen Green, who is now a Phoenix Suns guard.