New Orleans Pelicans are the primary suitor for Bennedict Mathurin in free agency, with talks centered on a sign-and-trade with the Los Angeles Clippers. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, New Orleans is doing everything possible to lure the Clippers into a deal that would bring Mathurin to the Pelicans. Fischer reported on a Bleacher Report livestream that Mathurin’s free agency decision comes down to either agreeing to a sign-and-trade with New Orleans or accepting the qualifying offer from Los Angeles. Last result: Minnesota Timberwolves 132-126 New Orleans Pelicans (2026-04-13).
What Could Mathurin Bring To The New Orleans Pelicans?
During the 2025-2026 NBA season, Mathurin averaged 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game across 54 appearances split between the Indiana Pacers and the Clippers. He played a key bench role for the Pacers during their 2025 NBA Playoff run, which included a Game 7 appearance in the NBA Finals before losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder. If acquired, Mathurin would add scoring depth alongside Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and Dejounte Murray, while also strengthening the Pelicans’ guard rotation that currently includes Jeremiah Fears, Jordan Hawkins, Kobe Bufkin, and Jordan Poole.
How Does This Fit With Zion Williamson’s Role?
Williamson played 62 games last season, averaging 21.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 60.0% from the field. His best season came in 2021, when he averaged a career-high 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game with a 61.1% FG%. The Pelicans front office remains committed to Williamson, with an executive telling Keith Smith that they believe in his ability to stay healthy and lead the team forward. New Orleans finished the 2025-2026 regular season with a 26-56 record, placing 11th in the Western Conference and missing the playoffs for the second straight year.
What Comes Next For The Pelicans’ Offseason Plans?
The Pelicans are actively pursuing Mathurin as part of their effort to build a more competitive roster around Williamson. Recent form shows New Orleans lost their last two games, with a 2W-0D-3L record in their last five (LLWWL, most recent first). The team continues to explore options that could improve their perimeter scoring and defensive versatility. Fans can monitor updates on the Pelicans’ roster moves through our [squad](/squad) page as the offseason progresses.
