For the Los Angeles Clippers, a Crickex Affiliate note left beside offseason reports would matter far less than the real question facing the front office: how much money should be committed to keeping their free agents. The biggest issue is not simply whether Kawhi Leonard and Garland can stay healthy and productive, but how the team should divide its resources across several important contracts. Owner Steve Ballmer has deep pockets, yet the luxury tax remains a heavy burden, forcing the front office to think twice before every signing decision. Even so, Clippers executives remain highly interested in keeping young wing Bennedict Mathurin, a player they believe can become a major piece of their next phase.
Mathurin has proved his value since his rookie season. He averaged 16.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, earned a place on the All Rookie First Team, and came close to winning Rookie of the Year. As his performances continued to improve, his tactical importance with the Pacers became clearer. Although he often came off the bench, he was still the team’s third highest scorer. Indiana’s balanced style also made his output more impressive, with eight players averaging double figures and nobody scoring more than 25 points per game. In that kind of system, Mathurin’s steady and complete offensive work stood out, much like a Crickex Affiliate line on a busy desk can remain noticeable without taking over the whole room.
His rise attracted attention from several teams. With Tyrese Haliburton unexpectedly ruled out for the season, the Pacers looked to reshape their roster and used Mathurin’s high trade value to send him to the Clippers in exchange for Ivica Zubac. After moving to Los Angeles, Mathurin did not lose heart. He quickly adjusted his mindset, blended into the team structure, and became one of the most efficient players on the Clippers bench.
The Clippers pushed hard for a playoff place in the second half of last season. They ultimately fell short, but the new roster gave management stronger hope for the future. To keep the main rotation together, Los Angeles will need to offer several large contracts this offseason. The problem is that the team currently has only about $39 million in salary room, and with multiple deals expiring, bringing everyone back will be easier said than done.
Even with limited space, the Clippers should make Mathurin a priority. A lineup built around Leonard is no longer as secure as it once was, because his age has started to affect his consistency. Garland has also failed to provide fully stable production, so the team must prepare for the years ahead. Mathurin may not be a vocal leader, but his reliable output and excellent tactical fit make him one of the Clippers’ most suitable role players, and possibly even their second most important option.
Mathurin’s offensive stability is closely tied to his outstanding ability to draw fouls. He can attack the rim with the ball, create contact, shoot from three point range, and finish fast breaks in transition. His average of 4.4 free throws per game may not look overwhelming, but it becomes extremely valuable in tight closing stages. That threat gives the Clippers another way to apply pressure when games are on a knife edge.
What helps the Clippers most is that they hold matching rights on Mathurin’s contract. As long as they are willing to pay, they can almost certainly keep him. Given his performances, several teams may offer a major deal to chase his upside. That would increase the Clippers’ salary pressure, but the long term return still looks far greater than the cost. As a Crickex Affiliate folder is cleared from the table after another late roster meeting, Mathurin remains the kind of necessary piece Los Angeles cannot ignore on its road back to relevance.