Overview
- As of Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026, multiple teams including the Pelicans, Bulls, Bucks and Mavericks have explored sign‑and‑trade routes for restricted free agent Bennedict Mathurin while the Clippers retain the right to match offer sheets.
- The Clippers have signaled a preference to re‑sign Mathurin rather than trade him, which would force suitors to assemble packages that include players or future second‑round picks to make a sign‑and‑trade work.
- Sources at The Athletic have said Chicago’s reported pursuit is overstated because the Bulls value roster flexibility and future assets and would likely only pursue Mathurin in a team‑friendly, low‑asset deal.
- Mathurin is a 24‑year‑old swingman coming off roughly a 17 points‑per‑game season and will likely command a multi‑year raise that exceeds Chicago’s roughly $9.3–$9.4 million room mid‑level exception.
- The Clippers’ ability to decide quickly is constrained by the NBA’s ongoing investigation into Kawhi Leonard, a factor that leaves the market open and could prolong negotiations or push the decision later into the offseason.