Even though the peak of free agency is behind us, the transaction season is not over yet. Teams are still finalizing their rosters and making moves to upgrade them for next season. The latest significant trade took place on Wednesday night, which sent Peyton Watson to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Max Strus to the LA Clippers, and gave the Denver Nuggets financial breathing room.
For the Chicago Bulls, it represents an increased chance of signing the player they are reportedly targeting. The Bulls, along with the Bucks and the Pelicans, are pursuing restricted free agent Bennedict Mathurin. The fact that the Clippers have now added Strus makes Mathurin significantly more available.
Bulls' odds of acquiring Mathurin increased after the Clippers' Max Strus addition
Over the last week, the Clippers signed Bradley Beal and traded for Strus. They have incredible depth at shooting guard, including the No. 5 overall pick Keaton Wagler, veteran Kris Dunn, new addition Gradey Dick, and emerging role player Kobe Sanders. Add Beal and Strus into that mix, and it will be very difficult to find enough playing time for Mathurin.
Sure, Mathurin can slide up and play small forward, but he is largely a shooting guard. There is very little reason for the Clippers to re-sign him when they have more pressing needs in the frontcourt.
Not only does that take one Mathurin suitor off the table, but it also gives more leverage to the Bulls. Now that it has become clear that the Clippers don't want to retain Mathurin, the asking price in sign-and-trade negotiations should fall. It also means that the Clippers are less likely to match an offer sheet.
Chicago has an open roster spot and the $9.4 million room exception that they can use on Mathurin. Given the competition for his services, that may not be enough to acquire him. This means that a sign-and-trade may be needed. The Bulls may have to include Isaac Okoro or a combination of players that could include Rob Dillingham, Noa Essengue, and Jalen Smith.
How aggressively the Bulls should pursue Mathurin is a different question. He is not a perfect fit due to his inconsistent shooting and defense, but he also has plenty of talent and upside. It may not be too wise for the Bulls to part ways with their young talents like Essengue or key contributors like Smith. But if they prioritize Mathurin, the Bulls are more likely to be able to poach him now than they were 24 hours ago.
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