Pacers and Pelicans negotiate trade! Core player McDermott exchanged for Misi; Bulls and Knicks also interested in the center

On January 23rd Beijing time, according to reporter Fischer, the Indiana Pacers and New Orleans Pelicans have explored several trade options, centering on trading Pacers' fourth-year guard Benedict Mathurin to New Orleans while acquiring the Pelicans' sophomore center Yves Misi.

The Pacers are looking to acquire a starting-caliber center and have put the 23-year-old Canadian guard on the trade block. Fischer also mentioned that the Pacers are still testing the market to secure the best possible return for Mathurin, who will become a restricted free agent this summer.

Earlier reports indicated the Pelicans' interest in Mathurin and discussions involving Misi in a potential trade. In fact, the Pacers had already inquired about trading for the Pelicans' big man earlier this month.

This season is the final year of Mathurin's rookie contract. He averages 32.2 minutes per game, shooting 42.3% from the field, 36.6% from three-point range, and 87.6% from the free-throw line, scoring a career-high 17.8 points. However, injuries including a sprained right thumb and plantar fasciitis in his toe have limited him to just 24 games this season, affecting his performance when on the court. Mathurin will enter contract negotiations in the offseason, but with the Pacers' guaranteed salary commitments already totaling $177 million, the team may struggle to meet his contract demands.

As for Misi, his rookie season showed promise. In 73 games played (67 starts), he averaged 26.8 minutes, contributing 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. However, after the Pelicans drafted Derek Quinn in June, the 21-year-old center’s playing time significantly decreased. This season, he has become a bench player, averaging only 18.8 minutes with stats dropping to 5.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.

Misi is currently in the second year of his rookie contract with a salary of $3.4 million, while Mathurin’s salary this season is $9.2 million. The Pelicans' current payroll is just $2 million below the luxury tax threshold and $3.6 million away from the top tax apron, so to make this trade happen, the Pelicans would need to include additional players to match salaries.

It is worth noting that the Pacers are not the only team interested in Misi. The Chicago Bulls are also pursuing the center, and among all Pelicans players available for trade, Misi is the most sought-after. Additionally, the New York Knicks have made inquiries regarding Misi’s potential trade.