New NBA Trade Rumors Update Bulls' Bennedict Mathurin Interest Amid Pelicans, Clippers Buzz

The Chicago Bulls' reported interest in restricted free agent wing Bennedict Mathurin has been "overstated," per Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic.

"As the Chicago Bulls approach the fall with an open roster spot, they've been linked to LA Clippers restricted free agent guard Bennedict Mathurin," Lorenzi wrote.

"The Bulls' reported interest in Mathurin, though, has been overstated, according to a league source who was granted anonymity to describe ongoing deliberations."

Mathurin is entering his fifth NBA season. The Indiana Pacers initially selected the University of Arizona star with the sixth overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft. He helped the Pacers achieve great success during his time there, including a pair of Eastern Conference Finals trips and one NBA Finals appearance.

On Feb. 5, the Pacers traded Mathurin to the Los Angeles Clippers in a deal that notably brought a 2026 first-round draft pick (which eventually became Illinois guard Keaton Wagler) to L.A. and center Ivica Zubac to Indiana.

Mathurin largely came off the bench in L.A., averaging 17.4 points on 42.6 percent shooting, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. He played 26 games (one start) and averaged 28.0 minutes of action.

The Clippers have the right to match any offer sheet Mathurin receives from another squad. The New Orleans Pelicans are in that mix, per NBA insider Marc Stein.

However, back on July 8, ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk reported that the Clippers wanted to keep Mathurin.

So the Bulls could have competition from the Clippers and Pels if they wanted to make a serious run at Mathurin. However, a pursuit doesn't appear to connect with their current plans.

Lorenzi provided more information on that front as the rebuilding squad enters year one under new executive vice president of basketball operations, Bryson Graham.

"The Bulls recognize how early they sit in this rebuild, and the desire for talent at any position will trump stylistic need for a roster still discovering its long-term identity. Mathurin, who turned 24 in June, remains a talented young scorer who could be worth a flyer.

"But Chicago values two things at this stage: roster flexibility and acquiring future assets. Mathurin made roughly $9.2 million this past season, and his next contract is widely expected to exceed that figure in annual value."

With that in mind, Mathurin doesn't appear likely to be playing in Chicago this season.