The Detroit Pistons still have some wiggle room to make moves this summer, and Bennedict Mathurin could be an intriguing sign-and-trade idea for them to take a chance on. However, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the LA Clippers are hesitant to make any big-time changes to their roster until the Kawhi Leonard situation has been resolved.
“The Los Angeles Clippers remain interested in re-signing restricted free agent Bennedict Mathurin, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote. “However, the Clippers are hesitant to make significant roster decisions as Kawhi Leonard’s Aspiration investigation remains ongoing and has held up his expected trade to the Toronto Raptors.”
Adding Mathurin to the Pistons’ lineup would be great, as his offensive game would help provide Cade Cunningham with some support on that end of the court.
Kawhi Leonard is blocking potential Pistons trade for Bennedict Mathurin
Mathurin was traded from the Indiana Pacers to the Clippers last season in the deal that sent Ivica Zubac East. In his 54 games across both teams, Mathurin averaged 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while shooting 43.0% from the floor and 31.5% from deep on 4.4 three-point attempts per contest.
Though he’s not the best three-point shooter, his isolation shooting and shot creation could help take a load off Cunningham, especially if he takes another leap next season.
The 6-foot-5 wing is still 24 years old and will be entering his fifth NBA season next year. He’s a restricted free agent right now, so the Clippers could match any offer that comes his way.
But in the case of the Pistons, they would have to complete a sign-and-trade, anyway. And depending on the price, a swap that includes Duncan Robinson’s salary could work.
That said, the Clippers are waiting for the Leonard situation to be resolved. And unfortunately, since the league is still digging into the Aspiration situation, that could take a while.
LA traded Leonard to the Toronto Raptors, but the deal hasn’t been made official, as the Raptors reportedly want to wait until the investigation is over.
There’s no real timetable right now. The Leonard situation could drag on into the depths of the offseason. There’s a chance it’s not even resolved by the start of training camp.
Because of that, perhaps the Clippers will decide to hold onto Mathurin, but that shouldn’t stop the Pistons from inquiring about a potential sign-and-trade.
His shot creation alongside Cunningham would give the Pistons’ offense a nice boost.
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