Chicago Bulls Emerge as Option for Bennedict Mathurin

Bennedict Mathurin remains one of the open names on the NBA market. The Canadian wing is a restricted free agent of the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Chicago Bulls appear as one of the options to pursue him via sign-and-trade.

According to Brett Siegel, Chicago's path would involve a deal with the Clippers in which Isaac Okoro and several second-round picks could be included. It would not be a straightforward direct signing: as a restricted free agent, Los Angeles retains leverage and would have to accept the deal.

The idea makes sense from the Bulls' perspective. Chicago still has the mid-level exception available, but that amount does not appear sufficient to reach the salary Mathurin could seek, estimated around $15 million annually. That's why the most realistic path would be a sign-and-trade.

Mathurin comes off an impressive season, averaging 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. At 24 years old, he remains a young player with the ability to score, attack the rim, and develop in a context with more ball movement.

For the Clippers, the decision comes down to evaluating whether they want to retain him or convert his departure into some useful return. Several recent reports have indicated that Los Angeles would prefer to re-sign him, though they are not ruling out listening to sign-and-trade proposals if a compelling offer emerges.