Why Bennedict Mathurin Could Be The Perfect Buy-Low Option For The Bulls

The Chicago Bulls have reportedly expressed interest in restricted free agent Bennedict Mathurin, and if those reports prove to be true, it is a move worth pursuing. While there are certainly obstacles to completing a deal, Mathurin checks nearly every box the Bulls have prioritized under their new front office and coaching staff. At just 24 years old, he brings the athleticism, scoring punch, and long-term upside that Chicago desperately needs as it continues reshaping its roster.

The first hurdle is simply acquiring him.

Mathurin is a restricted free agent, meaning the Los Angeles Clippers hold the right to match any contract offer he signs. That limits Chicago's flexibility and makes a straightforward offer sheet unlikely to get the job done. The Bulls currently have roughly $9.9 million in available cap space, which probably isn't enough to present an offer that would scare the Clippers away from matching.

Instead, the more realistic path would be a sign-and-trade. Chicago has a couple of contracts that could make the money work, including Isaac Okoro or Jalen Smith. Neither player is viewed as an untouchable long-term piece, making them reasonable trade candidates if it means landing a player with Mathurin's upside.

From a basketball standpoint, the fit is obvious.

One of executive vice president Bryson Graham's biggest priorities has been acquiring what he calls "SLAP" players: Size. Length. Athleticism. Physicality. Mathurin embodies that philosophy well.

Standing 6-foot-5 with a nearly 6-foot-9 wingspan, Mathurin is one of the league's better athletes at the wing position. He is explosive in transition, plays through contact, and has the physical tools to overwhelm defenders when attacking the basket. His combination of strength and vertical explosiveness gives him the exact profile Chicago has been targeting throughout the offseason.

His skill set also aligns nicely with new head coach Tiago Splitter's offensive system.

Last season in Portland, Splitter helped unlock productive seasons from Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe by putting the ball in their hands and encouraging constant downhill pressure. Splitter emphasized attacking the paint, collapsing defenses, and creating easier opportunities for everyone else.

Mathurin plays a very similar style.

He thrives getting downhill, attacking gaps, and finishing through contact. He's at his best when he's putting pressure on the rim instead of settling for difficult jump shots. That aggressive mentality would add an entirely new dimension to a Bulls offense that has lacked consistent rim pressure and isolation scoring outside of occasional flashes from its young guards.

One criticism that immediately comes up whenever Mathurin is discussed is his outside shooting.

Some fans worry his arrival would hurt Chicago's spacing, especially with several young players already looking to establish themselves offensively. While the concern is understandable, it may be somewhat overstated.

Mathurin isn't an elite shooter, but he also isn't a liability. As a starter in the NBA, he has shot nearly 36% from three-point range while attempting roughly 4.5 threes per game. He can be streaky, but defenses still have to respect his jumper. More importantly, his ability to attack closeouts becomes even more dangerous when defenders are forced to honor his outside shot.

The bigger concern comes on the defensive end.

For someone blessed with his size, athleticism, and physical strength, Mathurin simply hasn't developed into the defender many expected. His awareness can be inconsistent, his off-ball positioning needs improvement, and there are stretches where his effort level fluctuates.

That said, this may also be where Splitter can have the biggest impact.

Splitter earned praise in Portland for helping Scoot Henderson become a noticeably more engaged defender throughout the season. While Mathurin presents a different challenge, there is reason to believe Splitter's player development background could help maximize the defensive tools already sitting there. If Mathurin ever begins consistently using his athletic gifts on both ends of the floor, his ceiling rises significantly.

Another potential question involves playing time.

The Bulls recently added Norman Powell, who projects to receive the majority of the minutes at shooting guard. At first glance, that could make Mathurin's fit seem awkward.

In reality, it shouldn't be a major issue.

Mathurin has come off the bench for a majority of his career and he has never been an issue in the locker room. He has enough size and strength to comfortably play both the two and the three, allowing him to share the floor with Powell in plenty of lineups. Powell's shooting would also complement Mathurin's downhill attacking style, creating a balanced offensive pairing out on the wing in Chicago.

Even beyond this season, the situation works itself out naturally. Powell's contract runs for two years with a team option on the second season, giving Chicago plenty of flexibility. The Bulls could always move Powell before the trade deadline if the right opportunity presents itself or simply allow Mathurin to grow into a starting role after a season of development.

Either path keeps the long-term picture intact.

Ultimately, this is exactly the type of swing rebuilding teams should be taking. At his young age, Bennedict Mathurin has already played a crucial role on an Indiana Pacers team that forced a Game 7 in the Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. No player on this Chicago Bulls' roster outside of Norman Powell has that on their resume, and Mathurin's winning experience could be pivotal in shaping the culture of this young Bulls squad. 

The Bulls desperately need players who can create their own offense late in the shot clock and consistently finish at the rim. Those are arguably Mathurin's two greatest strengths. Mathurin's competitive nature fits perfectly next to a player like Caleb Wilson, and a more transition heavy offense with the Bulls could really unlock his game. His age fits Chicago's timeline, his athletic profile aligns perfectly with Bryson Graham's roster-building philosophy, and his offensive style appears tailor-made for Tiago Splitter's system. 

There are flaws in his game, particularly defensively, but those concerns are outweighed by the upside. If the Bulls can complete a sign-and-trade without surrendering premium draft capital or one of their core young pieces, this becomes a relatively low-risk, high-reward investment.

Chicago cannot afford to turn its nose up at a player of Mathurin's caliber simply because he remains a work in progress. Talented, explosive wings entering their prime rarely become available at a reasonable price. If the opportunity is truly there, the Bulls should make every effort to bring Bennedict Mathurin to Chicago.