Former Pacers Player Gives Honest Reaction to Being Traded

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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 02: Bennedict Mathurin #9 of the LA Clippers is guarded by Pat Spencer #61 of the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on March 02, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Wednesday night was the first time that the Indiana Pacers took on former player Bennedict Mathurin. Mathurin was part of a package traded at the trade deadline for Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown. It was a trade that addressed Indiana’s biggest need.

Zubac has yet to play for the team since the trade was executed. Meanwhile, Mathurin has been crushing it for the Clippers. He has scored the most points off the bench of anyone in the NBA since the trade deadline. With LA, he has a chance to make the playoffs this year.

Mathurin played his former team for the first time on Wednesday night. After the game, he was asked what his reaction was when he heard the news of the trade.

GettyLos Angeles Clippers guard Bennedict Mathurin shoots the ball. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

Former Pacers Player Gives Honest Reaction to Monster Trade

Mathurin gave his honest reaction to what ran through his mind when the trade was executed.

“You want the PR answer or the real answer? It was tough. It was tough for sure. I’ve been in Indy for three and a half years. So everything I know is based off of Indy. Whether it’s the lifestyle off the court, on the court, but it was good. It was definitely worth it. The change in scenery, also the change in organization. I was saying earlier that I’m super grateful to be part of both. Two great parties. It’s been fun, man. It’s been fun out here so far. My teammates have embraced me a lot, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Mathurin certainly took it to his former team. He scored 23 points in just 22 minutes off the bench against the Pacers on 8-11 shooting. Los Angeles killed Indiana, as well. Mathurin is thriving in LA so far and has used his opportunity for a fresh start to the best of his ability.

GettyIndiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle watches a game from the sidelines. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)

Pacers Coach Rick Carlisle Praises Bennedict Mathurin

Rick Carlisle was also proud of what Mathurin has done in LA so far. He has always liked Mathurin’s ability to score, and he reiterated that after the game.

“This is a great situation for him. He’s playing very well, no surprise. He’s an NBA scorer. With a certain number of minutes per night, he’s going to put up NBA scoring numbers. He’s going to get to the free-throw line a lot, and he’s going to shoot a good 3-point number. So much of his game is still ahead of him. It’s exciting if you’re a Clipper fan. We miss him. I miss him a lot.”

Indiana really liked Mathurin’s ability to score off the bench and create his own shot. That element is gone for the rest of this season. The Pacers hope they can get that back next year if they can keep their pick for the 2026 season, which they hope falls between 1 and 4.

The Pacers are happy with the trade they made, and Mathurin is making the most of his new opportunity.

Ryan Stano Ryan Stano covers the NBA for Heavy.com. He has been covering sports since 2017, covering the NFL, College Football, College Basketball, and the NBA. His work has been featured on Yahoo, Bleacher Report, FanSided, and Sports Illustrated. More about Ryan Stano