Mathurin Agrees to Pelicans Contract

Bennedict Mathurin has agreed to a two-year, $16 million contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, including a player option on the second year, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. The Associated Press and NBC Sports matched the terms. The 24-year-old wing was a restricted free agent with the LA Clippers, who are expected to withdraw his $8.8 million qualifying offer so he can sign in New Orleans.

Mathurin's camp approached the Clippers about pulling the QO, ESPN wrote, so he could take a shorter deal with earlier unrestricted free agency next summer instead of a longer team-controlled offer. The Pelicans have chased him for more than a year and see him as a piece of their young core while trying to stay under the luxury tax.

What is Bennedict Mathurin's Pelicans deal?

Two years, $16 million, second year a player option. That structure would not have worked as an offer sheet or a sign-and-trade (offer sheets need two firm years, S&T needs three), NBC Sports noted. Once the Clippers rescind the qualifying offer, he signs straight up. Official paperwork had not posted when the reports landed Wednesday, but the sides were working toward it.

Last season Mathurin averaged career highs of 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.8 steals in 54 games between Indiana and LA after the Clippers acquired him in the Ivica Zubac-to-Pacers deal. Off the bench he averaged 17.5 points, most in the NBA among players with at least 20 such games. Career line across four seasons: 16.2 points in 263 games after going No. 6 in 2022.

Why the Pelicans wanted Mathurin

Scoring wing next to Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, and Dejounte Murray under new coach Jamahl Mosley. Fans typing Mathurin Pelicans or Mathurin contract want the dollars and the opt-out. Dollars: $16 million over two. Opt-out: his. New Orleans stays flexible. Mathurin keeps a runway back to the market in 2027 if he balls out.

Elsewhere in free agency, the Timberwolves landed Jonathan Kuminga on a similar short deal. Mathurin's move is the Southern version: shorter term, bigger nightly role, no Clippers matching drama if the QO is pulled.

Mathurin Pelicans contract FAQ

How much is Mathurin's Pelicans contract? Two years, $16 million, with a player option on year two, per ESPN and AP.

Was Mathurin a restricted free agent? Yes, with the Clippers. His camp asked LA to withdraw the $8.8 million qualifying offer.

Why a short deal? He prioritized flexibility and unrestricted free agency next summer over longer offers with more team control.