Bennedict Mathurin Joins New Orleans Pelicans on Two-Year Deal

Bennedict Mathurin is set to join the New Orleans Pelicans after signing a two-year contract worth $16 million, which features a player option. This move was reported by ESPN's Shams Charania.

The 24-year-old forward, who previously played for the Indiana Pacers before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, averaged 17.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists last season. Mathurin's decision to sign with the Pelicans reflects his desire for flexibility and a quicker path to unrestricted free agency, rather than committing to longer-term deals that would limit his options.

In New Orleans, Mathurin will compete for a starting position against players like Trey Murphy and Saddiq Bey. The Pelicans are looking to improve after finishing the previous season with a 26-56 record.

Charania also noted that the Pelicans have been interested in Mathurin for over a year, actively pursuing him as a potential addition to their roster. With this signing, Mathurin becomes the first player from the University of Arizona to join the Pelicans since Solomon Hill and Stanley Johnson played for the team in 2019.