The New Orleans Pelicans have reached an agreement with free-agent perimeter player Bennedict Mathurin on a two-year contract valued at $16 million. The deal, which features a player option for the second season, gives the franchise an injection of bench scoring while offering the fourth-year veteran financial adaptability.
Mathurin held restricted free-agent status with the Los Angeles Clippers entering the offseason. To facilitate the transaction, representatives for the 24-year-old requested that Los Angeles rescind his $8.8 million qualifying offer, clearing the runway for his move to Louisiana. The dynamic scorer prioritized operational flexibility and a direct path to the market over lengthier contracts containing strict team leverage.
Selected sixth overall in the 2022 draft out of Arizona, the Montreal native spent his initial three-plus campaigns with the Indiana Pacers before being traded to Los Angeles. During his tenure with the Clippers, the 6-foot-5 guard posted steady reserve production, averaging 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists over 26 contests. Throughout his 235 career professional appearances, he has maintained averages of 16.2 points and 4.7 rebounds while continually relying on an aggressive style of play that generates trips to the free-throw line.
The roster addition stands as the primary maneuver of the summer for the New Orleans front office under head basketball executive Joe Dumars, following a 26-56 campaign. The squad entered the current cycle without a first-round selection, having surrendered that asset in a previous draft-night trade. Furthermore, acquiring Mathurin on a $8 million annual average structure allows the franchise to remain safely below the luxury tax threshold.
Mathurin enters a revamped squad under new head coach Jamahl Mosley, where he is slotted to complement a backcourt and wing group featuring Dejounte Murray, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy III. The contract setup Positions the Canadian swingman for a potential return to unrestricted free agency as early as next summer.
Editorial credit: Sebastian Gora Photo / Shutterstock.com
