As a restricted free agent at 23 years old, it’s clear as day Bennedict Mathurin wants to get paid the big bucks. Understandably so, he’s young, talented, and coachable, which are three valuable traits that aren’t easy to find. To get the big payday, though, Mathurin’s best bet is to accept the qualifying offer in front of him with the LA Clippers, dominate in his fifth season in the NBA, and become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Right now, because he is restricted and coming off a half-season tenure with the Clippers that had ups, but more importantly, plenty of downs, Mathurin could be selling himself short of a salary he could be worth way more than.
Additionally, for the Clippers, Mathurin taking the qualifying offer works perfectly. This would give them enough time to see how he does in LA’s system. And, if he does well, the front office will have no problem arranging for the money to get him paid next summer, or even before.
Bennedict Mathurin should bet on himself rather than settling
The easier, less complicated option for Bennedict Mathurin as a restricted free agent is to just settle for anything reasonable that comes his way. This path saves him from wasting more time, keeps him on the books for a couple more seasons, and concludes the complex negotiation process.
However, one thing Mathurin must consider is how much money he could be losing; the qualifying offer on the table is $8.8 million. Realistically, if he were to sign a new deal, it wouldn’t be worth too much more than that.
That’s just the reality of the situation, as, with an ongoing hunt for Peyton Watson and the current state of the team’s payroll, there isn’t a ton of money for the front office to spend on Mathurin.
So, why not accept the $8.8 million, go above and beyond to prove himself in whatever role he’s given, and become a player who would be able to obtain any amount he desires next summer?
This is certainly the path that has more to gain. And, as they always say, “good things come with time.”
By simply waiting and giving the game his all in the process, Mathurin will be rewarded.
If he does end up signing a new deal with the Clippers as a restricted free agent, the Clippers won’t be complaining one bit. They’ll have a rising star on a discounted deal.
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