Pelicans Sign Bennedict Mathurin to 2-Year Deal

The New Orleans Pelicans have agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal with Bennedict Mathurin, including a player option in the second year, after the Los Angeles Clippers reportedly withdrew their qualifying offer. Mathurin, a 24-year-old former sixth overall pick, posted 17.6 points per game on 43.0% shooting (31.5% from three) last season and has averaged about 16 points across four seasons. The deal follows extensive interest from New Orleans since July, with reports that the Pelicans explored a sign-and-trade or a trade for Mathurin to secure a longer-term fit. Pelicans executives and insiders have discussed Mathurin as a core piece, including behind Trey Murphy and Saddiq Bey in a secondary unit. While trade chatter linked Mathurin to a potential move from the Clippers, the final agreement emphasizes a straightforward two-year commitment with the Pelicans as his quickest path to free agency next summer. Mathurin’s move places him within a young Pelicans core that includes Zion Williamson, Murphy, and other rising talents.