Clippers’ Bennedict Mathurin drawing interest from growing list of teams

The Bennedict Mathurin market keeps getting bigger.

The Clippers remain interested in re-signing the restricted free agent, but they’re no longer the only team lining up.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Pelicans, Bulls, Bucks and Mavericks have all expressed interest in acquiring Mathurin, though each would likely need to complete a sign-and-trade or another roster move to make it happen.

Mathurin, 24, averaged a career-best 17.6 points last season after arriving in Los Angeles from the Pacers before the trade deadline. He’s emerged as one of the more intriguing names still available as free agency drags into August.

New Orleans and Chicago have been linked to Mathurin before, with Marc Stein of The Stein Line previously reporting both teams were exploring ways to pursue him. Scotto added more context.

The Pelicans have continued exploring trades involving Jordan Hawkins in an effort to create additional flexibility, while Chicago would almost certainly need a sign-and-trade after its room exception falls well short of what Mathurin is expected to command.

Milwaukee has also checked in on Mathurin, according to Scotto. The Bucks have a full non-taxpayer mid-level exception available, though they also need to trim their roster before opening night.

Dallas is another interesting possibility, but any serious pursuit would likely require moving Klay Thompson‘s expiring contract or finding another way to create room.

Bottom line: The Clippers remain in the mix. But as August begins, they’re clearly not alone.