3 Teams Linked to RFA Bennedict Mathurin
While most of the attention is on RFA Peyton Watson and whether the Denver Nuggets will pull off a sign-and-trade, another notable restricted free agent is also out there for the taking.
Bennedict Mathurin was acquired by the LA Clippers at last season's trade deadline, as they launched into a youth movement. But Mathurin remains unsigned as an RFA this summer, and he has been discussing potential sign-and-trade opportunities with other teams, per insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
The Clippers remain open to bringing him back, but they are currently being held up in their offseason moves with the pending Kawhi Leonard trade with Toronto being on hold. Additionally, the Clips have interest in Watson. Plus, they recently re-signed Bradley Beal, complicating their current guard depth and rotation.
Let's have a look at the three other teams that are potential landing spots for the former Indiana Pacer.
Chicago Bulls
Siegel figures the Bulls are the best fit for Mathurin, if he were to move on from LA.
"The Bulls offer the easiest path to pulling off a deal for Mathurin and offer the best situation for him to maximize his immediate future. Unlike in LA, where he would be nothing more than a secondary scorer, Mathurin could eventually become a starter in Chicago and become a foundational part of their young core next to Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, and Caleb Wilson."
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks, like the Clips, also have their sights set on Watson from the RFA market, but Mathurin would be a nice Plan B. He averaged 17.4 points and 5.5 rebounds in his 26 games with the Clippers, almost identical to his overall season numbers. As Siegel notes, the Bucks would also be a nice landing spot for him for his career arc.
"The positive from Mathurin's perspective for possibly joining the Bucks is the fact that they are rebuilding and would instantly give him a sizable role as their fourth or fifth highest-paid player."
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pels remain actively engaged in discussions with Mathurin as well. New Orleans views the 24-year-old as a primary target to inject much-needed scoring punch into their offense.
All in all, however, Siegel still projects a return to the Clippers for Mathurin, particularly if they are unable to land Watson or UFA Jonathan Kuminga.