The Indiana Pacers traded Bennedict Mathurin to the Los Angeles Clippers on February 5 in a deal that brought center Ivica Zubac to Indiana along with draft compensation. That move left a gap at the wing for a bench scorer who can create off the dribble and stretch defenses in the second unit.

Bench production ranked among the league's lower totals for the Pacers this season. The unit averaged under 30 points per game in most stretches after the trade deadline. Players who logged at least 40 games off the bench and posted the highest scoring averages included Jaime Jaquez Jr., Collin Sexton, Anfernee Simons, Ayo Dosunmu, Tim Hardaway Jr., Ajay Mitchell, Reed Sheppard, Brice Sensabaugh, Malik Monk, Brandon Williams, Quentin Grimes, Klay Thompson, Cam Spencer, Isaiah Joe, and Dylan Harper.

Ayo Dosunmu stands out as a realistic target because his combination of size, defensive versatility, and catch-and-shoot volume fits next to Tyrese Haliburton without clogging the lane. Anfernee Simons brings more creation but would require careful spacing adjustments given his preference for pull-up threes. Malik Monk offers instant offense in transition and from deep, though his shot selection can fluctuate across long stretches.

The front office has prioritized adding shooting and secondary creation around the core after a 19-63 campaign. Similar moves by other Eastern Conference teams show the value of inexpensive bench wings who can play 20 to 25 minutes without defensive lapses. Dylan Harper remains off the table in San Antonio, where the Spurs view the second overall pick from the 2025 draft as a cornerstone piece.

Free agency opens in July. The non-taxpayer mid-level exception plus trade exceptions from the Zubac deal give Indiana options to pursue two or three names from the list before training camp. A signing or trade by the end of June would allow the new addition to participate in summer workouts and establish chemistry with the second unit.