Mathurin signs two-year deal with Pelicans
Bennedict Mathurin, 24, has agreed to a two-year, $16 million contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, including a player option. The former Arizona Wildcats star chose the deal for flexibility and an earlier path to unrestricted free agency.
Bennedict Mathurin, 24, has signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The deal includes a player option, giving Mathurin the chance to test free agency after the 2025-26 season.
Contract Details
The contract’s structure reflects Mathurin’s preference for flexibility over a longer, team-controlled offer. The player option allows him to become a free agent earlier, potentially increasing his market value. The Pelicans’ front office reportedly pursued Mathurin aggressively for over a year before finalizing the agreement.
Career Overview
Mathurin spent the first three-and-a-half seasons of his NBA career with the Indiana Pacers. He was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers last season, where he appeared in 26 games but started only one. In that season he averaged 17.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. The following table summarizes his statistical output from that year:
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 17.4 |
| Rebounds | 5.4 |
| Assists | 2.4 |
Pelicans Fit
New Orleans offers Mathurin a clearer path to a starting role. His main competition for minutes will be Trey Murphy and Saddiq Bey. The Pelicans finished the 2023-24 season with a 26-56 record, and the team is looking to rebuild its roster around younger talent. Fans can view the current squad to see where Mathurin fits in the lineup.
Arizona Connection
Mathurin becomes the first former Arizona Wildcats player to join the Pelicans since Solomon Hill and Stanley Johnson in 2019. The move ties the franchise back to a state that has produced several NBA talents. For more context on the team’s recent performance, check the Pelicans’ standings and upcoming fixtures.
The player’s arrival also adds depth to the Pelicans’ roster, which can be explored further in the team’s stats and injury reports on the injuries page.
The announcement was made public by ESPN’s Shams Charania, who reported that Mathurin chose the Pelicans’ offer for its flexibility and the possibility of an earlier entry into unrestricted free agency. The deal marks a new chapter for the 24-year-old, who now has the opportunity to establish himself as a key contributor in New Orleans.
Source: Yahoo Sports