Given that Bennedict Mathurin is a great player, with potential to become even better, at just 23 years old, it’s all but inevitable for teams around the league to be inquiring about the restricted free agent for a sign-and-trade. However, two in particular have shown real interest: the New Orleans Pelicans and Chicago Bulls, according to Shams Charania. While both have valuable assets to offer, the Clippers must pick wisely on who to send Mathurin to, and it should be the Pelicans.
The Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans are among the interested teams in Bennedict Mathurin, per @ShamsCharania.
— APHoops (@APH00PS) July 29, 2026
The Clippers have “some interest” in re-signing Mathurin but are in a holding pattern until the Leonard investigation is completed. pic.twitter.com/jzJjHxnj0j
In fact, New Orleans has a team full of realistic options for the Clippers to ask for. On the other hand, with the Bulls, LA might only be interested in untouchable pieces.
Isaac Okoro is one of the only names that comes to mind as a player the Clippers may want. However, on the Pelicans, there’s actually a list of choices Lawrence Frank would have the luxury to pick from.
The Pelicans could help the Clippers out where they need it
Assuming the trade revolving around Kawhi Leonard goes through, the LA Clippers’ roster is far from perfect. To get closer than they already are, sending Bennedict Mathurin to the New Orleans Pelicans would be a great idea.
Though players like Trey Murphy and Herb Jones might be out of reach, a young center like Yves Missi could certainly be on the table.
Missi is just 22 years old, with two years and a team option left on his deal before he enters restricted free agency, and has proven himself to be a legitimate big man at the NBA level.
In his sophomore season, Missi saw 19.7 minutes and logged 5.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks. The year before, as a rookie, he did better, averaging 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 26.8 minutes.
Those are some pretty solid numbers all around, and if you do the math, the production is similar.
With the Clippers, Missi would get the opportunity to spread his wings in an organization where he would immediately be one of the top-playing centers. This will allow him to prosper and develop into the player he can become.
If the Pelicans keep Missi out of trade talks, there’s nothing to worry about. Role players like Saddiq Bey and Jordan Hawkins could be sent together to get the deal done.
That’s a package the Clippers won’t deny, as both would be contributing towards their success right away.
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