The Minnesota Timberwolves have mostly been playing inspired basketball of late. They own a 5-1 record in the year 2026. Sitting fourth in the Western Conference and just a stone’s throw away from second, but they could look to make improvements by the February 5 trade deadline.
Where they can look to make an addition is to their bench. Could Bennedict Mathurin of the Indiana Pacers be someone they look to trade for?
Bennedict Mathurin has changed his pfp on Instagram to a black circle, wiped his bio, and proceeded to post a photo dump of Pacers memories on his [now deleted] story.
— APHoops (@APH00PS) January 13, 2026
The trade deadline is in 24 days. pic.twitter.com/QwhldBdWfI
Mathurin is a restricted free agent after the season
On the latest edition of the Game Theory podcast, Sam Vecenie spoke with Bryce Simon about potential trades, and Mathurin to Minnesota was brought up.
"I don’t mind the Mathurin to Minnesota idea," Vecenie said. "You know like 18 points a game, hasn’t really like taken the jump that he might have hoped this year but fine player. Good scorer, doesn’t do a whole lot else for me. Minnesota world actualize him because of their ability to have that great defense with Jaden McDaniels, with Rudy Gobert on the interior. I don’t mind that idea. The question is what does Minnesota give up for him?"
Now 23 years old, Mathurin has started all 24 of his appearances for an undermanned Pacers team this season. Selected sixth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, he is posting averages of 17.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while possessing shooting splits of 42.3/36.6/87.6.
A 6-foot-5 shooting guard/small forward, Mathurin is aggressive on the offensive end, which can result in a lot of free throws. He is in the midst of his least efficient scoring season, but that could be due to more attention on him with the Pacers often having numerous rotation guys out. Mathurin isn’t always engaged on defense and has more turnovers (57) than assists (52).
The Pacers and Mathurin did not agree on a rookie-scale extension in the offseason. Therefore, he will be a restricted free agent next offseason. If the Pacers have no interest in bringing him back, it would behoove them to see what they can get in return by the February 5 trade deadline.
Mathurin would improve the Timberwolves' bench
It’s pretty clear that Mathurin has some noticeable flaws in his game. With that being said, it doesn’t mean he’s not valuable, and that he wouldn’t be helpful as a member of the Timberwolves.
On the Wolves, Mathurin would likely come off the bench, at least when the normal starting lineup is available. What Mathurin has proven is that he can score the basketball, something the Timberwolves need more of from their reserves (outside of Naz Reid). On the year, Minnesota ranks 21st in bench scoring (33.4 points), and a large chunk of that comes from Reid, who has come off the bench in every Minnesota game averaging 14.5 points.
A deal for Mathurin may involve Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr., or even both. While it would be disappointing to give up on either/both in just their second seasons, it’s evident that Mathurin would help out the team much more this year as they look to be a championship contender.
It remains to be seen if this would be a competitive offer for Mathurin but if it is that's something the Wolves should pounce on.