Bennedict Mathurin and his representatives remain engaged with the New Orleans Pelicans, Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks as the restricted free agent weighs his next move, according to Marc Stein. The door also remains open for Mathurin to return to the Los Angeles Clippers, who retain the right to match an outside offer.
Mathurin entered restricted free agency after completing his four-year, $29.9 million rookie contract. The Clippers acquired him from the Indiana Pacers before last season’s trade deadline and subsequently extended him a qualifying offer, giving Los Angeles control over his restricted free agency.
The Pelicans and Bulls have previously emerged as the most prominent outside suitors, while Milwaukee has now joined the group in discussions. A return to Los Angeles remains possible because the Clippers have continued to show interest in retaining the 23-year-old wing.
Mathurin averaged 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 54 games between Indiana and Los Angeles during the 2025-26 season. After joining the Clippers, he averaged 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 26 appearances while playing 30.0 minutes per game.
His efficiency changed after the trade. Mathurin shot only 20.7% from three-point range with the Clippers but converted 50.2% of his two-point attempts and averaged 7.3 free-throw attempts per game, reflecting a scoring profile built heavily around attacking the basket.
The Pelicans have maintained interest in Mathurin after previously pursuing him at the trade deadline. New Orleans views him as a potential long-term starter who could fit alongside its young core, including Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears.
Chicago’s interest comes after a major organizational reset. The Bulls finished 31-51 last season, 12th in the Eastern Conference, and missed the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season before adding No. 4 pick Caleb Wilson, No. 15 selection Dailyn Swain, Nic Claxton and Norman Powell.
Mathurin would give Chicago another young perimeter scorer capable of creating his own offense. Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis remain important pieces of the Bulls’ developing roster, while Mathurin’s scoring ability could provide another option on the wing.
Milwaukee’s involvement adds another potential destination for a player who has averaged 16.2 points and 4.7 rebounds across 263 regular-season games. Mathurin has established himself as a productive scorer over four NBA seasons despite moving between starting and reserve roles.
The Clippers, meanwhile, can either match an offer sheet or negotiate a sign-and-trade with an interested team. That gives Los Angeles leverage while leaving Mathurin’s market unresolved.
