Bulls Join Pelicans in Pursuit of Bennedict Mathurin
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The Chicago Bulls have emerged as the second team tracking Clippers restricted free agent Bennedict Mathurin, joining the New Orleans Pelicans in monitoring the 24-year-old swingman, according to Marc Stein.
Chicago was one of only three NBA clubs to dip below the salary cap this offseason, but the team has already spent most of its room by acquiring center Nic Claxton, signing guard Norman Powell, and extending forward Zach Collins. Those moves leave the Bulls pressed up against the cap, with only the $9.4 million room exception available for an offer sheet.
An offer starting at $9.4 million over two or three years would likely be matched by Los Angeles, making a sign-and-trade the most realistic path if Chicago wants to land Mathurin. League sources indicate the Bulls would prefer to move Patrick Williams and the three years and $54 million remaining on his contract; however, the Clippers—or any third-team facilitator—are believed to value shorter commitments such as Isaac Okoro ($11.8 million), Jalen Smith ($9.4 million), or Tre Jones ($8 million), none of whom have guaranteed money beyond 2026-27.
Offensive firepower remains a priority for Chicago after the club finished 29th in offensive rating following last season’s trade deadline and subsequently lost guards Collin Sexton and Anfernee Simons in free agency. Mathurin averaged 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 28.0 minutes across 26 games (one start) with the Clippers after arriving from Indiana in February’s Ivica Zubac deal. Before the trade, he logged 17.8 points, 5.4 boards, and 2.3 assists in 28 contests for the Pacers.
The 6-5 wing’s three-point accuracy dropped from 37.2% on 5.6 attempts per game in Indiana to 20.7% on 3.2 tries in Los Angeles, though he entered last season as a career 34.2% shooter from distance.
Los Angeles tendered Mathurin a qualifying offer worth roughly $8.77 million in June, preserving the right to match any external offer sheet. He can sign that one-year deal at any time—gaining veto power over trades in 2026-27 and setting up unrestricted free agency in 2027—but is believed to favor a multiyear agreement.
The Clippers’ broader offseason remains on hold while the NBA investigates whether the club skirted salary-cap rules in the pending Kawhi Leonard trade. Although Los Angeles finalized a minor pact with Johni Broome on Tuesday, front-office executives are expected to wait for clarity before committing to significant transactions such as a long-term Mathurin contract or absorbing salary in a sign-and-trade.
Source: Hoops Rumors
