New Orleans Pelicans have agreed to sign free-agent shooting guard Bennedict Mathurin to a two-year, $16 million contract, sources confirmed. The deal includes a player option for the second year and comes after Mathurin finished last season with the LA Clippers.
What happened with Bennedict Mathurin and the Pelicans?
Mathurin, a restricted free agent, was expected to return to the Clippers but instead will join New Orleans after the team facilitated his move. The Pelicans have pursued him since his Indiana days and tried to acquire him before the February trade deadline when Indiana dealt him to LA instead.
Why does this signing matter for New Orleans Pelicans?
At 24 years old, Mathurin averaged 17.6 points and 5.4 rebounds in 30 minutes per game across his final season with Indiana and LA. He shot 37.2 percent from three and 88.4 percent from the free-throw line during his strong second half with the Pacers, showing scoring versatility as both a starter and reserve.
What comes next for the Pelicans and Mathurin?
Mathurin’s ability to score off ball screens and attack closeouts fits New Orleans’ offensive scheme, and his defensive potential adds value on the wing. The Pelicans will look to integrate him into their rotation ahead of the upcoming season, with fans able to track progress on the [squad](/squad) page.
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