Could the Pacers trade Bennedict Mathurin to Western Conference power?

The Indiana Pacers reached the Eastern Conference finals a year ago, but know they can't rely on last season for their success. They want to return to the postseason, but it will once again take a full team effort to make it happen.

The Pacers are led by star guard Tyrese Haliburton, but also have numerous other quality players rounding out the roster. One of them is Bennedict Mathurin, who emerged as one of the Pacers' best scoring options last season.

He averaged 14.5 points, four rebounds and two assists in 59 games last season. Mathurin shot 37.4 percent from beyond the 3-point line, an increase from his 32.3 percent shooting rate three years into his rookie year.

The former Arizona Wildcat has found a role with the Pacers, but the team is always looking for improvement. Colin Keane of Sporting News put together a scenario in which the Pacers traded Mathurin to the Los Angeles Lakers to add depth to their roster.

Los Angeles is in the hunt for another title and signing a player like Mathurin could help tremendously. They have a few coveted draft picks to work with and could give the Pacers some expiring contracts in the process.

The Lakers could send guard D'Angelo Russell if the Pacers wanted more shots. They could also send center Christian Wood, Jaxson Hayes or Cam Reddish to make the money work. Or they could send forward Jarred Vanderbilt, who has a favorable team contract for the next few years.

Los Angeles could be a difficult trade partner, but if both sides want to make it work, they will make it happen.

While the Pacers may not want to trade Mathurin, it might be wise to move him before he hits restricted free agency in two years. He is scheduled to make $7.2 million this year and $9.1 million next season, both low costs for any team that would be interested in his services.

Indiana has to think long-term when building a team and can't keep everyone together. Landing one of the Lakers' most valuable draft picks could set the Pacers up for the future while keeping them in win-now mode.

While it remains to be seen whether the Pacers would even entertain the idea of ​​trading Mathurin, the front office can't completely dismiss the idea of ​​moving him.

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