The NBA free agency period is still dragging along for some players, and Bennedict Mathurin is one of the bigger names still waiting on a deal. The LA Clippers wing is a restricted free agent, meaning the Clippers can match any offer sheet he signs. But that hasn’t stopped the Detroit Pistons from sniffing around.
According to ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel, the Pistons are the main team outside of LA that’s shown real interest in Mathurin. The holdup on a Clippers deal? A couple of factors: the Clippers are also looking at Denver Nuggets wing Peyton Watson in free agency, and the Kawhi Leonard trade with the Toronto Raptors is still stuck in neutral because of the NBA’s ongoing investigation into the Aspiration program. That’s thrown a wrench into LA’s cap planning.
Why Mathurin is still available
Siegel laid it out on a recent episode of ‘ClutchScoops.’ The Clippers haven’t rushed to sign Mathurin because they’re weighing other options. But the Pistons see an opportunity.
“They’re a team that’s not done yet,” Siegel said. “They’re still looking at ways where they could possibly improve their roster, and so maybe Bennedict Mathurin is a guy they can buy low on. Maybe a three-year, $30 million contract or something in that range where they can bring him in, pair him with Cade Cunningham and the other pieces that they brought in during free agency.”
Detroit already made some noise this offseason, adding veterans and young pieces around Cade Cunningham. Mathurin, who turns 23 next month, could be another building block. The question is whether the Clippers let him walk or match whatever offer comes in.
Mathurin’s numbers since the trade
Mathurin landed with the Clippers at the trade deadline last season in the deal that sent Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers. LA also got Indiana’s first-round pick, which turned into Keaton Wagler at No. 5 overall.
In 26 games with the Clippers, Mathurin started once and put up 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.0 steals per game. The efficiency was mixed — he shot 42.6 percent from the field and 85.8 percent from the free throw line, but only 20.7 percent from three. That deep-ball number is a red flag, but he’s young enough that teams think there’s room to grow.
The Pistons have cap space and a need for wings who can create their own shot. Mathurin fits that. Whether Detroit actually makes a firm offer or just kicks the tires will depend on how the Clippers sort out their own roster mess first.
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