In the four weeks since the free agency window opened, there has been considerable activity around the league. Unfortunately, for restricted free agents like Jalen Duren, Bennedict Mathurin, and Peyton Watson, the outlook hasn’t been as promising.
With the CBA demanding that teams be judicious with their cap space, restricted free agents have been forced to have some difficult conversations with front offices. While players like Duren remain engaged in lengthy discussions, others do not enjoy the same leverage.
In Bennedict Mathurin’s case, reports have indicated that the Los Angeles Clippers are willing to offload the 24-year-old guard in a potential sign-and-trade deal. While the Dallas Mavericks were identified as a potential landing spot, NBA insider Marc Stein recently reported that two more teams have emerged as suitors for Mathurin. He wrote:
“The Stein Line on Tuesday learned that Chicago is Mathurin’s other current suitor. You’ll recall that The Stein Line also revealed recently (July 23 to be exact) that New Orleans has been trying to shed Jordan Hawkins’ contract via trade to move further away from the first apron. Among the options available to the Pelicans, if they succeed in those efforts, would be opening up the use of a healthy portion of its midlevel exception to assemble an offer sheet to Mathurin.”
As Stein mentioned, the New Orleans Pelicans were also identified as a potential suitor for Mathurin. However, with the Chicago Bulls joining the fray, the 24-year-old may find himself earning some leverage in contract decisions.
It is worth noting that, in a sign-and-trade deal, the new contract must span at least three years. Hence, assuming the Clippers will lowball Bennedict Mathurin with a three-year, $45 million contract (roughly $15 million annually), we explore the potential trade packages the Pelicans and the Bulls could present.
The Pelicans Would Have To Improve Their Offer
Stein mentioned that the Pelicans would be looking to shed Jordan Hawkins’ $7.0 million contract in a trade to get under the first apron. Although they are technically under the first apron, with a payroll of $196.1 million, if they wish to acquire Bennedict Mathurin, New Orleans would have to improve its offer.
Proposed Trade Details
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Bennedict Mathurin
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Jordan Hawkins, Saddiq Bey, 2029 first-round pick
The Clippers will have no issues in completing this trade, primarily because it allows them to make key additions. While Jordan Hawkins strengthens their backcourt depth, Saddiq Bey provides scoring and veteran leadership. The most valuable asset, however, is the first-round pick they receive from New Orleans.
Although the Pelicans may be hesitant to part with a first-rounder, it is safe to say that they receive something even more valuable in return. With the addition of Bennedict Mathurin, New Orleans adds a gifted two-way threat to their young core.
Last season, Mathurin showcased his talents as a scoring threat and a capable defender. Given that he averaged 7.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 43.0% from the field and 31.5% from three-point range, the 24-year-old is extremely competent.
By pairing Mathurin with Jeremiah Fears, Derik Queen, Trey Murphy III, and Zion Williamson, the Pelicans would boast a formidable core. While they may not be the most competitive team right now, the potential is worth investing in.
Could The Bulls Make A Better Offer For Bennedict Mathurin?
The Chicago Bulls are quickly emerging as an intriguing young team in the East. With considerable money at their disposal and draft capital to boot, the Bulls could easily formulate a better deal for Bennedict Mathurin.
Proposed Trade Details
Chicago Bulls Receive: Bennedict Mathurin
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Isaac Okoro, Dailyn Swain, 2028 first-round pick
Although there is a greater belief that the Bulls would attempt to offload Patrick Williams in any potential deal, the Clippers may not be as inclined to absorb the $54 million he is owed over the next three years ($18.0 million player option in the final year).
Hence, Chicago may instead be forced to package Isaac Okoro’s $11.8 million expiring contract, their rookie Dailyn Swain ($4.9 million), and a first-round pick to make this deal. Parting with Swain may be particularly difficult, but considering how Bennedict Mathurin’s acquisition could impact the team, Chicago may see more value in pulling the trigger on this deal.
As currently constructed, the Bulls have a formidable starting five. With Josh Giddey and Norman Powell in the backcourt, Chicago boasts a frontcourt trio of Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, and Nic Claxton.
Naturally, this suggests that Mathurin would come off the bench at first glance, but the 24-year-old’s versatility makes him a unique addition to Chicago’s squad. Given his skill set, Mathurin could easily start ahead of Powell or Buzelis in different situations.
Depending on the setting, Mathurin’s presence would give Chicago the luxury to experiment. With solid wing depth at their disposal, the Bulls would certainly look a lot more threatening in what is becoming a deeper Eastern Conference.
What Do The Clippers Want?
Although the aforementioned trade packages have merit, the benefits are meaningless until we understand what the Clippers want.
After trading Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles gained considerable cap flexibility and some talented young assets to help structure their rebuild. With the pair of Darius Garland and Brandon Ingram headlining the core, the Clippers have potential as a young team. But that is all they have.
Given their commitment to rebuilding, and the $10.9 million at their disposal before going over the $165 million salary cap, it would seem logical for the team to re-sign Bennedict Mathurin and solidify their core. However, their hesitation to do so raises more questions.
If it is young talent they desire, then maybe a deal with the Bulls could be more worthwhile, especially if they can angle a deal to acquire Tre Jones. However, if they only wish to offload Mathurin for a low-cost contract and picks, the Pelicans would seem appropriate.
