NBA Rumors: The Pelicans want to continue dismantling the Clippers
The Los Angeles franchise is struggling a lot this summer to maintain a competitive roster and New Orleans wants to snatch Bennedict Mathurin from them
Los Angeles Clippers continue without being able to define a good part of their planning for the next season, and one of the names that continues to generate movement is that of Bennedict Mathurin. The shooting guard, a restricted free agent, has once again sparked the interest of several franchises while negotiations about his future remain deadlocked.
According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the New Orleans Pelicans have reappeared as one of the main candidates to acquire Mathurin. Additionally, another team whose identity has not been disclosed has also joined the race for the player.
An interest that existed before the trade deadline
Fischer explains that New Orleans was already the team that showed the most interest in adding Mathurin before the trade deadline last February. At that time, the Indiana Pacers were considering negotiating the exit of the young forward, although they ultimately ended up completing the trade with the Clippers in a deal centered around Ivica Zubac.
In an initial version of his information, Fischer indicated that the Pelicans had not participated in the player's restricted free agency until now.
However, hours later, The Stein Line published an update correcting that point. According to two sources consulted by the outlet, New Orleans has recently rekindled its interest in Mathurin and has had discussions with the player's camp. Those same sources also confirmed the existence of a second suitor whose identity has not been revealed.
Kawhi Leonard's situation impacts the Clippers
Mathurin's future remains closely tied to that of the Clippers, who are still waiting for the resolution of the deal that would send Kawhi Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors.
Until that situation is clarified, the Los Angeles franchise has its hands tied in completing other significant moves during this market, which leaves the restricted free agent's contractual situation unresolved.
Mathurin arrived in Los Angeles precisely in the trade that sent Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown to Indiana. In exchange, the Clippers received Mathurin himself, Isaiah Jackson, two first-round draft picks in 2026 and 2029, and a second-round selection.
A player with great potential
Since joining the Clippers, the 23-year-old player has taken on a more significant role in the offense and has averaged 18.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
Although his three-point shooting has declined, his scoring ability and youth continue to make him a very attractive piece for the future.
With the Pelicans once again interested and another team closely following the situation, Mathurin's future could become one of the next matters to be resolved once the Clippers clear the uncertainty surrounding Kawhi Leonard and can definitively define their strategy for this summer.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rumores NBA: Los Pelicans quieren seguir desmantelando a los Clippers
