Bennedict Mathurin’s restricted free agency has turned into one of the more awkward situations of the offseason, and the Milwaukee Bucks have now entered the mix as a possible landing spot.
The Los Angeles Clippers have given little sign they intend to hand Mathurin a meaningful new contract, even though he was viewed by many as a piece of their rebuild. Bradley Beal’s addition last week only made that picture murkier for the 24-year-old guard.
Mathurin is still drawing attention elsewhere. The Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans have already been linked to him, and NBA insider Marc Stein recently added the Bucks to the list of teams showing interest. Stein reported that Mathurin and his representation remain “engaged” in conversation with all three teams, while a return to L.A. is still possible.
Even so, the Clippers’ guard rotation - especially after Beal arrived - gives them reason to consider moving Mathurin for assets instead of holding onto him.
If Milwaukee wants to land him, the mechanics would likely depend on the value attached to a sign-and-trade deal. Earlier reporting had Mathurin in line for a three-year, $50 million contract, but there’s a case that the Clippers could settle even lower. If the deal comes in at three years and $45 million, or about $15 million per season, the Bucks could start building a workable package.
A proposed framework would send Mathurin to Milwaukee. On the money side, the move would work because the $15 million leaving with Mathurin would be offset by the $15.4 million coming back from A.J.
Green’s $10.0 million salary and Kevin Porter Jr.’s $5.4 million deal. Adding a second-round pick and Porter Jr.’s expiring contract could also make the package more appealing for the Clippers.
The salary-cap impact would land on Los Angeles, which would take on $15.4 million more. Still, with the Clippers already sitting at a $163.0 million payroll, that extra hit would not create major tax issues.
From Milwaukee’s perspective, the basketball case is pretty easy to see. Mathurin has been a productive scorer and has shown two-way upside as well. He averaged 17.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 43.0% from the field.
If the Bucks go with Tyler Herro and Ryan Rollins as their starting backcourt, Mathurin could slide to small forward. He could also give them punch off the bench as a scorer. Either way, he’d give Milwaukee another versatile piece to work with.
For the Clippers, the return would deepen the perimeter shooting group. Kevin Porter Jr. may not move the needle much as a role player, but A.J.
Green’s shooting would stand out. Last season, Green posted 10.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 42.4% from the field and 41.9% from three.
The source notes that he may not bring much defensively, but alongside a playmaker like Darius Garland, he could be a dangerous and inexpensive offensive fit.
There is one complication for Milwaukee: the Bucks are also interested in free agent forward Peyton Watson this summer. And given their roster needs, especially after Giannis Antetokounmpo’s departure, Watson could actually be the cleaner fit right now.
So while Milwaukee is in the race for Mathurin, Chicago still looks like the team to beat. The Bulls have the cap space, draft capital and tradable pieces to make a stronger push, and the Clippers may prefer those talks as they look for the best return.
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