Which team is now looking at Bennedict Mathurin?
We're just about a month into the free agency period, and while most of the dust has settled on the top names, there is still work to be done.
The Los Angeles Clippers have made some big changes to their roster in the offseason, bringing in Rui Hachimura from the the rival Los Angeles Lakers.
They also have a deal in place that would send Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, second-round picks in 2030 and 2033, and a first-round pick swap in 2027.
That deal is on hold until the NBA concludes its investigation into Kawhi and the Clippers over his alleged "no-show" sponsorship job with Aspiration and salary cap circumvention.
Finally, there is the matter of Bennedict Mathurin, who was acquired by the team from the Indiana Pacers as part of the Ivica Zubac trade. He is a restricted free agent who is still without a contract.
Another Team Emerges For Mathruin
According to Marc Stein of the Stein Line newsletter, the Chicago Bulls are the other suitor for Mathurin. The New Orleans Pelicans were previously reported as being interested in the Clippers guard.
Mathurin averaged 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 54 games between the Clippers and Pacers. He dealt with a toe injury throughout his time with the Clippers, which affected his three-point shooting.
He shot 37% from three with the Pacers, but only 20% with the Clippers.
Mathurin is reportedly seeking around $20 million per season on his new deal. The Bulls have under $2 million in cap space and a $9 million room space exception available.
What Can The Bulls Offer?
Isaac Okoro would be the most likely player to be move from Chicago to Los Angeles as he is making $11 million. Okoro can be a solid two-way option, though his three point shooting tailed off in Chicago.
He shot 37% from three with Cleveland in 2024-25, but was down to 33% in Chicago.
Jalen Smith, who is makng $9 million this season, might make more sense for the Clippers as they are seeking frontcourt help. He's a good rebounder who offers spacing and rebounding.
With the Bulls trading for Nic Claxton, drafting Caleb Wilson with the fourth pick, and Noa Essengue returning from a shoulder injury that limited him to two games in his rookie year, there might not be enough meaningful minutes for Smith.
Draft compensation would also be part of the deal.
