Mar 13, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Bennedict Mathurin (9) controls the ball during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images
Mar 13, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Bennedict Mathurin (9) controls the ball during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images
Much like last year, this year’s offseason has been particularly challenging for restricted free agents. Although players such as Jalen Duren and Peyton Watson remain in conversation with their respective teams regarding new contracts, the same cannot be said for Los Angeles Clippers guard Bennedict Mathurin.
Despite being a promising young talent whom many expected to be part of the Clippers’ rebuild, Los Angeles has shown virtually no indication of offering Bennedict Mathurin a meaningful new contract. Now, with the addition of Bradley Beal last week, the 24-year-old’s position with L.A. seems even more uncertain.
However, all hope is not lost for the guard. Although his future with the Clippers seems bleak, Mathurin has garnered interest from teams such as the Chicago Bulls and the New Orleans Pelicans. Although the Bulls were previously viewed as the most likely landing spot in the event of a sign-and-trade, a recent update by NBA insider Marc Stein suggests the Milwaukee Bucks have also shown interest in the 24-year-old.
According to Stein, Bennedict Mathurin and his representation remain “engaged” in conversation with all three teams, though a return to L.A. also appears to be on the cards. However, when gauging the Clippers’ guard depth, especially after Beal’s addition, there is enough evidence to suggest that L.A. may choose to offload Mathurin to acquire assets.
While packages have been explored for the Bulls and the Pelicans, the Bucks are a relatively new addition to the list of suitors. On that note, we examine how Milwaukee could acquire the promising two-way prospect.
How Can The Bucks Acquire Bennedict Mathurin?
Like every sign-and-trade scenario involving a restricted free agent, the primary aspect that would make or break a deal is the value assigned to the player. Although earlier reports indicated that Bennedict Mathurin was in line for a three-year, $50 million contract (which would also be undervalued to some extent), there is reason to believe that L.A. may go lower.
Thus, if we assume that Mathurin will sign a three-year, $45 million deal, earning him roughly $15 million annually, we can proceed with forming a trade package from Milwaukee.
Proposed Trade Details
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Bennedict Mathurin
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: A.J. Green, Kevin Porter Jr., 2033 second-round pick (MIA)
Financially, this trade would be feasible for both parties. The outgoing $15 million from Bennedict Mathurin’s move would be counterbalanced by the incoming $15.4 million from A.J. Green’s ($10.0 million) and Kevin Porter Jr.‘s ($5.4 million) contracts. With a second-round pick and Porter Jr.’s expiring contract included in the deal, the Clippers would see more reason to take on additional salary, too.
From a salary cap perspective, this trade would only impact the Clippers, since they are taking on $15.4 million more. However, given their current payroll of $163.0 million, the additional cap hit would not have major tax implications.
Talent-wise, Milwaukee’s interest in acquiring Bennedict Mathurin seems justified. Aside from being a reliable scorer, Mathurin has also displayed two-way upside. With averages of 17.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.8 steals per game on 43.0% shooting from the field, he has proven himself effective.
With Tyler Herro on the roster, the Bucks are likely to pair him with Ryan Rollins to form their starting backcourt. In this case, Mathurin would be more likely to play at small forward. Alternatively, he could also come off the bench as a scoring threat with the second unit. Overall, this move gives Milwaukee another talented, yet flexible roster piece.
On L.A.’s side, this trade scenario helps the Clippers expand their three-point shooting depth. While Kevin Porter Jr. may not contribute much as a role player, A.J. Green’s skill as a marksman may be viewed favorably.
Last season, Green averaged 10.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 42.4% from the field and 41.9% from three-point range. While he may not provide much defensively, when paired with a playmaker like Darius Garland, Green could be a lethal, cost-friendly asset in the Clippers’ offense.
Although this approach seems sensible, it is worth noting that the Bucks are interested in free agent forward Peyton Watson this summer. Given their roster needs, especially after Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s departure, one could argue that Watson could be a better fit than Bennedict Mathurin at this juncture.
Hence, even though Milwaukee remains in the race to acquire Mathurin, the Bulls still seem like the favorites. Given their available cap space, disposable draft capital, and quality of tradable assets, the Clippers may also prefer to engage in trade talks with Chicago.