The rivalry between the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers has been blossoming over the last few seasons now, and it's not going anywhere. Even with Giannis Antetokounmpo gone, there are plenty of reasons for these two teams not to like each other, headlined by Myles Turner's shocking move to join the Bucks. If Milwaukee adds former Pacer Bennedict Mathurin, it would be yet another reason.
Bucks still targeting Mathurin
Milwaukee has been eyeing Mathurin, a former Turner teammate with the Pacers, for the last several weeks now. With the Bucks missing out on Peyton Watson, who landed in Cleveland, they just might fully pivot to Mathurin to put the finishing touches on this roster. Plenty of Pacers players wouldn't love it if two former players joined forces on a rival.
The Milwaukee Bucks aren't targeting Mathurin just to be petty. He's a legitimately good player who could be a building block in this upcoming retooling. Sure, there are questions about why the team is eyeing another guard when they already have so many on the roster, but if the team is simply banking on talent right now, he would be a fine addition.
It certainly wouldn't hurt if Mathurin helped the Bucks beat the Pacers more often than not, though.
Rivalry will look a lot different next season
Giannis Antetokounmpo was one of the main factors in this rivalry starting in the first place. Everyone remembers the Pacers stealing the game ball after his historic night and the commotion it caused. Him getting in the face of Tyrese Haliburton's dad was unforgettable. It won't be the same without the Greek Freak in town, but the show must go on.
As mentioned, Myles Turner is now the driving force. Pacers players and personnel were not happy about how he conducted himself upon leaving last season. The closing the book gesture caused a stir on social media, as many remember. Every player who once suited up alongside him will have a chip on their shoulder when they face the Milwaukee Bucks.
Myles Turner closing a book while watching his Pacers tribute video.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) November 4, 2025
(via @AngelaMoryanTV)
pic.twitter.com/5ZbhRlK6y3
It wouldn't hurt for the Milwaukee Bucks to have a little extra firepower on their side. If they could get Mathurin, it would be a nice late-summer addition to round out this roster. He would certainly be more than motivated to play against the Pacers, who traded him to the LA Clippers this past season, every chance he gets.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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