Dallas Mavericks are targeting 24‑year‑old swingman Bennedict Mathurin as the next piece to pair with Cooper Flagg and push the team into the playoffs. The move comes after a dominant 149‑128 victory over the Chicago Bulls on April 13, 2026, and a recent 2‑win‑3‑loss stretch that left the club on a two‑game winning run.
Who is Bennedict Mathurin and why does he matter?
Mathurin, a former No. 6 overall pick, spent his rookie season with the Indiana Pacers before being dealt to the Los Angeles Clippers. At 6‑foot‑5, he blends athleticism with a developing perimeter game, posting a career‑high 17.6 points per game last season. His two 20‑point outings in the 2025 NBA Finals highlighted his ability to score in high‑pressure moments. Adding a player with that kind of experience could give Dallas a fresh offensive spark alongside Flagg’s rising rookie talent.
How would Mathurin fit with Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving?
Cooper Flagg, the 2026 Rookie of the Year, is expected to take a leap in his sophomore season, while Kyrie Irving is slated to return healthy. Mathurin’s wing defense and ability to slash the paint would complement Flagg’s slashing style, creating more pick‑and‑roll options for Irving. The trio could stretch the floor, with Mathurin pulling defenders out to the perimeter and opening driving lanes for Flagg and Irving.
What roster moves are needed for Dallas?
To accommodate Mathurin under the salary cap, the Mavericks may need to move veteran guard Klay Thompson, whose expiring contract is worth about $17.46 million. Removing Thompson would free space and leave Max Christie as the sole true shooting guard, prompting Dallas to consider a new backcourt piece. The trade scenario could involve a sign‑and‑trade package, as reported by NBA insider Michael Scotto, who noted interest from New Orleans, Chicago, Milwaukee, and Dallas.
What are the next steps for the Mavericks?
The Clippers still hold Mathurin’s rights, but they are also navigating the league’s ongoing cap‑circumvention investigation tied to Kawhi Leonard. Dallas will need to negotiate a buyout or trade that satisfies both clubs while staying within NBA financial rules. If the deal goes through, Mathurin would join a young core that already includes former No. 1 overall pick Zach Risacher, acquired from Atlanta earlier this offseason.
The Mavericks’ front office appears ready to act, hoping that Mathurin’s addition will solidify a wing rotation capable of competing in the Western Conference. With the team already on a two‑game winning streak, the timing feels right for a bold move that could reshape Dallas’s playoff outlook.
