The Los Angeles Clippers have not yet rescinded the qualifying offer extended to restricted free agent Bennedict Mathurin, according to Jake Fischer, creating an unusual wrinkle in the forward’s path to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Fischer reported that the Clippers could potentially be compensated indirectly by participating in a multi-team transaction that helps New Orleans create the salary-cap room necessary to sign Mathurin. However, the Clippers cannot receive compensation outright in exchange for withdrawing Mathurin’s qualifying offer because such an arrangement would violate NBA collective bargaining rules.
The distinction is important because Mathurin remains an RFA while the Clippers retain his qualifying offer. Rather than simply relinquishing their position for nothing, Los Angeles could explore whether its involvement in a larger trade can produce an asset while simultaneously helping facilitate Mathurin’s move to New Orleans.
Mathurin spent part of the 2025-26 season with the Clippers after arriving during a season in which the organization ultimately shifted toward a full rebuild. In 26 games with Los Angeles, he averaged 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 28.0 minutes per game.
The 24-year-old shot 42.6% from the field and 85.8% from the free-throw line for the Clippers, although his three-point shooting dropped to 20.7% on 3.2 attempts per game. He also recorded 1.0 steal and 0.3 blocks per contest.
Mathurin’s role came amid major changes for the Clippers. Los Angeles opened the 2025-26 season 6-21 and traded James Harden and Ivica Zubac at the deadline before eventually moving Kawhi Leonard in a blockbuster deal with the Toronto Raptors.
Leonard had been the Clippers’ leading scorer, averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 65 games while shooting 50.5% from the field and 38.7% from three-point range. He earned All-NBA Second Team honors and finished seventh in MVP voting.
The Clippers agreed to receive Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, a pick swap and two second-round picks from Toronto for Leonard. However, the trade has been delayed amid NBA investigation.
The organization has also added Rui Hachimura, re-signed Jordan Miller and Kobe Sanders, and acquired Johni Broome as it reshapes the roster around a younger core.
Los Angeles finished 42-40 and ninth in the Western Conference, reaching the play-in tournament. With Leonard gone and the franchise prioritizing flexibility and future assets, the Mathurin situation represents another opportunity for the Clippers to extract value from an offseason roster decision.
If New Orleans remains determined to sign Mathurin, Los Angeles’ willingness to participate in a multi-team transaction could become a key piece of the process. The Clippers cannot be paid simply for removing the qualifying offer, but Fischer’s report indicates they may still have a path to compensation through the mechanics of a larger trade.
