The Los Angeles Clippers remain interested in keeping restricted free agent Bennedict Mathurin, but they are also prepared to explore sign-and-trade opportunities if the right deal emerges.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported Thursday that Los Angeles is open to facilitating a sign-and-trade involving Mathurin, mirroring Denver’s willingness to discuss similar scenarios with restricted free agent Payton Watson. Fischer noted that while the Clippers hope to retain the 24-year-old wing, they would consider sending him elsewhere if an agreement benefits both sides.
Mathurin entered restricted free agency after completing his four-year, $29.9 million rookie-scale contract. Because the Clippers hold his restricted rights, they can match any offer sheet he signs or negotiate a sign-and-trade with another franchise.
The former No. 6 overall pick continued to develop as a scorer during the 2025-26 season despite being traded from the Indiana Pacers to Los Angeles. Across 54 games between the two teams, Mathurin averaged 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 30.0 minutes while shooting 43.0% from the field and 86.9% from the free-throw line.
His production remained steady after arriving in Los Angeles. In 26 appearances with the Clippers, including one start, Mathurin posted 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. Although his three-point shooting dipped to 20.7% on 3.2 attempts per contest, he continued to attack the rim effectively, converting 50.2% of his two-point attempts while averaging 7.3 free-throw attempts per game and making 85.8% from the line.
Mathurin has increased his scoring average in two of his four NBA seasons and owns career averages of 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists over 263 regular-season games. His ability to generate free throws has remained one of his most reliable offensive strengths throughout his career.
The Clippers face an important decision as they balance immediate competitiveness with long-term roster flexibility. The team finished 42-40 last season, earning the ninth seed in the Western Conference before missing a guaranteed playoff berth through the Play-In Tournament.
Los Angeles also enters the offseason amid significant uncertainty elsewhere on the roster. Kawhi Leonard remains with the organization while his agreed trade to the Toronto Raptors is on hold pending the NBA’s investigation into the Clippers regarding Leonard’s 2021 endorsement agreement.
