WORST NIGHTMARE FOR INDIANA PACERS: THREE KEY PLAYERS SET TO EXIT BEFORE NEXT SEASON – TWO ENTER TRANSFER PORTAL, ONE LOST TO INJURY
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The Indiana Pacers are reeling from what could easily be described as their worst offseason nightmare in recent history. Following an inspiring 2024-2025 NBA season where the Pacers showcased one of the grittiest and most united teams in the league, the dream is now threatening to unravel. As preparations for the next campaign begin, Indiana finds itself at the mercy of a harsh new reality: three of their core players could be gone before the next tip-off.
Two vital stars have entered the NBA transfer portal, signaling likely exits, while a devastating injury blow has ruled another crucial piece out for most, if not all, of the 2025-2026 season. This triple blow has left fans stunned, management scrambling, and the team’s competitive outlook clouded by uncertainty.
The Three Blows That Shook Indiana
1. Tyrese Haliburton: The Face of the Franchise, Out Indefinitely
The first and most painful punch landed just weeks ago when news broke that Tyrese Haliburton had suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. Initially brushed off as a minor tweak, subsequent medical reports confirmed the grim prognosis: a full Achilles rupture, requiring extensive surgery and a recovery time estimated between 10 to 14 months.
The 25-year-old All-Star guard, who led the Pacers with dazzling playmaking and clutch shot-making throughout the postseason, underwent successful surgery in New York. Still, the emotional toll has been heavy.
> “God is my strength,” Haliburton posted on social media, quoting Isaiah 40:31 after his surgery. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
Sources close to the Pacers front office confirmed that Haliburton may not return until late in the 2025-2026 season, if at all. This leaves the team without their engine and heart for most of the year—and possibly facing life without their franchise player long-term if complications arise.
2. Bennedict Mathurin Enters the Transfer Portal
If Haliburton’s injury shook the franchise, Bennedict Mathurin’s decision to enter the transfer portal sent aftershocks across the league. The 22-year-old shooting guard/small forward, known for his explosive scoring and two-way intensity, officially declared his intent to seek a trade after expressing frustration over a diminished role late in the playoffs.
Despite being a rising star and fan favorite, Mathurin reportedly felt undervalued and underutilized, especially during critical stretches when Coach Rick Carlisle favored veterans over younger talent. Multiple league insiders confirmed that Mathurin’s relationship with Carlisle had grown tense.
> “I just want to be somewhere I’m fully trusted and allowed to grow,” Mathurin reportedly told close friends, according to The Athletic.
As a highly-coveted young talent, Mathurin is expected to draw significant interest, with teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Brooklyn Nets, and Orlando Magic reportedly circling. The Pacers now face the possibility of losing one of their brightest young stars at a time when the team desperately needs offensive firepower and youthful energy.
3. Andrew Nembhard Requests Transfer
Completing the nightmare trilogy is the surprising news that Andrew Nembhard, the team’s versatile combo guard, has also entered the transfer portal. Known for his basketball IQ, unselfishness, and calm demeanor, Nembhard was seen as a crucial long-term piece in the Pacers’ future. His ability to orchestrate the offense, provide perimeter defense, and stretch the floor made him invaluable, especially with Haliburton sidelined.
Nembhard’s request caught many off guard. While no official reason was given, sources close to the player suggest a desire for a larger leadership role and tension around the team’s lack of clarity regarding next season’s direction were key factors. Losing Nembhard, especially alongside Haliburton and Mathurin, would leave the Pacers’ backcourt almost completely gutted.
From Contenders to Crisis
In just a matter of weeks, the Indiana Pacers have gone from title dark horses to a team in freefall. After reaching the Eastern Conference Finals and pushing the Boston Celtics to six hard-fought games, expectations for the 2025-2026 season were sky-high.
The team’s chemistry, coach-player synergy, and depth were heralded as its defining strengths. Now, all three of those pillars appear fractured.
No Haliburton means no floor general, no heartbeat.
No Mathurin means a major offensive weapon gone.
No Nembhard removes the secondary playmaker and defensive glue.
With two players actively seeking transfers and one lost to injury, Coach Rick Carlisle and President Kevin Pritchard face a monumental challenge: how to rebuild quickly, maintain competitiveness, and retain the trust of a fanbase that believed the championship window had just opened.
What’s Next for the Pacers?
1. Trade Deals Incoming
The Pacers are expected to pursue trade opportunities aggressively. With Mathurin and Nembhard on the block, Indiana will likely prioritize:
A starting-caliber point guard to replace Haliburton temporarily.
A wing scorer who can carry the offensive load.
Draft picks or young talent to replenish the roster.
Rumors have already linked Indiana to veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon for a reunion, and Detroit’s Jaden Ivey has also been floated as a potential target in a multi-player deal.
2. T.J. McConnell to Take the Reins?
With Haliburton out, and Nembhard seeking greener pastures, veteran guard T.J. McConnell could emerge as the unlikely leader of the team. The 33-year-old recently signed a 4-year, $68 million contract, and while many initially saw him as a backup, McConnell’s leadership and hustle might make him the de facto starter.
3. 2025 NBA Draft Now Critical
With such significant roster holes, Indiana’s draft strategy has become pivotal. They currently hold the 14th and 22nd picks. Look for them to target:
A dynamic scoring guard like Isaiah Collier (USC) or Tyrese Proctor (Duke).
A versatile two-way forward such as Ron Holland or Cody Williams.
If Pritchard can nail the draft, it could soften the blow of losing three core pieces.
Fan Reaction: A City in Shock
The Pacers fanbase is emotionally devastated. After years of disappointment, 2025 finally felt like a turning point. The team had youth, fire, unity—and now, it seems to be slipping away.
Pacers Nation lit up on social media with reactions ranging from heartbreak to anger:
“We waited so long for this squad. This hurts worse than PG13 leaving,” one fan posted on Reddit.
“Mathurin gone. Nembhard gone. Haliburton hurt. Is it even worth watching next year?” asked another on X
Conclusion: Will the Pacers Rise Again?
This offseason may go down as one of the most tragic and pivotal chapters in Indiana Pacers history. From the brink of greatness to the edge of disintegration, the franchise now stands at a crossroads.
The departures of Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard, combined with the catastrophic injury to Tyrese Haliburton, have not just dismantled a team—they’ve shaken the soul of a city that bleeds blue and gold.
Still, Indiana is no stranger to rebuilding. From the post-Reggie Miller era to the Paul George departure, the franchise has survived before—and could do so again. But how they respond now will define not just the next season, but perhaps the next decade.
Covers sports drama, NBA stories, and emotional team journeys for passionate fans. Follow for more updates on the Indiana Pacers as this developing saga continues.
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