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Did Mavericks target Bennedict Mathurin to pair with Cooper Flagg? The truth finally revealed originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
There were early rumors connecting Bennedict Mathurin to the Dallas Mavericks, with some suggesting he could have been an ideal long-term backcourt partner for Cooper Flagg. Although no trade ever came together, Evan Sidery reported that the Indiana Pacers and Mavericks had discussed a framework involving Mathurin and a protected first-round pick in exchange for Daniel Gafford.
However, ClutchPoints reporter Brett Siegel quickly pushed back on that rumor, saying the report was inaccurate.
“This is not true. Pacers and Mavs had brief discussions. Dallas never had any interest in Mathurin as an upcoming restricted free agent, and they made that known very early, which is when Gafford-Pacers rumors first appeared in December,” Siegel wrote.
The Pacers moved in a different direction and completed a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers instead. The reported trade sent Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, two first-round picks, and a second-round pick to the Clippers in exchange for Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown.
That move positioned the Clippers to secure the No. 5 pick in this year’s draft while also adding a promising two-way talent in Mathurin. He now enters the offseason as a restricted free agent, which will give his new team flexibility in how they approach his future.
Mathurin is seen as a strong scoring option who has also shown well-rounded growth in his game. The Clippers could choose to retain him if they want to keep his offensive production, or they might hesitate on a long-term commitment.
As NBA insider Keith Smith said, a realistic contract for Mathurin could be around three years and $50 million. It is slightly above the mid-level exception, but still manageable and not overly difficult to move in a trade. He averaged 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game last season.
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