The Clippers need to keep Bennedict Mathurin.
The Los Angeles Clippers made big moves at the 2026 NBA trade deadline, dealing veterans James Harden and Ivica Zubac to get younger and reshape their team.
Zubac was traded to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Isaiah Jackson, Bennedict Mathurin, and what turned out to be the fifth overall pick in the 2026 draft, which they used to select Keaton Wagler.
Mathurin had just come off a Finals run with the Pacers, where he averaged 11 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 45% from the field. He scored 27 points in Game 3 of the Finals and 24 points in Game 7.
In 28 games with the Pacers before the trade, Mathurin averaged 17.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists on 43% shooting from the field and 37% from three. In 26 games with the Clippers, but only one start, he averaged 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists on 42% shooting from the field, but 20% from three.
Where Things Stand With Mathurin
Mathurin is currently a restricted free agent and looking to cash in. Just turning 24, Mathurin has shown upside as a scorer, and though he shot only 20% from three with the Clippers, he was dealing with a toe injury that sidelined him throughout the season.
Given his age and upside, he fits on the same timeline as Darius Garland and Keaton Wagler, giving the Clippers a solid trio to build around in the upcoming years.
His biggest strength is his ability to get to the rim and absorb contact. He averaged 7.3 free throw attempts with the Clippers, and 25% of his shots came in the restricted area; he finished at 63% at the rim, which is on par with James Harden's finishing level.
He's a relentless driver who should continue to get better, especially if his shooting rounds back into form when he's healthy.
Advanced Numbers
The Clippers were better with Mathurin on the floor than they were with him off, as the team had a +3.1 net rating when he was in the game.
The better news for the Clippers is that Garland and Mathurin were a positive when they were on the floor together, posting a +8.6 net rating. Due to injuries to both men, the sample size is only 201 minutes, but it's still a good sign for the future of the team that they were able to thrive next to each other.
Scorers of Mathurin's ilk don't grow on trees, and the Clippers need to find a way to keep him on the roster for the foreseeable future.
