What happened: As of June 29, a free-agent cap hold for Mathurin counts against the Clippers' salary sheet, leaving Los Angeles over the cap. Carrying that hold shapes how the team can operate as free agency opens.

Why it matters: Operating over the cap means the Clippers work with exceptions rather than open cap space to round out the roster. How they handle the hold — retaining the player, using Bird rights, or renouncing it — determines their flexibility for the rest of the offseason.

What to watch: Watch whether the Clippers keep Mathurin on their books or clear the hold to open additional room as free agency develops.