The Mavericks want to build around Cooper Flagg for years to come and Bennedict Mathurin’s age and scoring ability align with that timeline.
The Mavericks are building around Cooper Flagg for the long term, which means adding young players who fit the timeline. Bennedict Mathurin, a 24-year-old restricted free agent, fits that profile.
Mathurin averaged 17.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists as a starter for Indiana during the first half of the 2025-26 season, shooting a career-best 37% from 3-point range before the Pacers traded him to the Clippers for Ivica Zubac on Feb. 5.
His 3-point shooting dropped to 20.7% in 26 appearances with Los Angeles, but he still averaged 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists off the bench and scored 38 points in his Clippers home debut against Denver. The shooting slump deserves attention, but the scoring ability does not.
The Clippers selected Keaton Wagler with the fifth overall pick in June and they now have Wagler, Darius Garland and Kris Dunn in the backcourt. That leaves Mathurin without a guaranteed role in Los Angeles. The Clippers tendered him a qualifying offer, making him a restricted free agent and giving them the right to match any contract he signs elsewhere.
Mathurin is 24 years old, 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds. He attacks the rim, draws fouls and scores without needing an offense built entirely around him. He does not need a set play to produce, but he does need space, a primary creator who draws defensive attention and an offense that rewards his aggressiveness. Flagg is that type of creator and Kyrie Irving is another.
An offer sheet would force the Clippers to make a decision. They reshaped their roster after the draft and matching a significant contract for Mathurin on top of those financial commitments would be a serious question.
Dallas needs young scoring wings who fit alongside Flagg. Mathurin scores and he fits the timeline. The process starts with a phone call when free agency opens.
