Bennedict Mathurin is headed to the New Orleans Pelicans after reportedly agreeing to a two-year, $16 million contract in the latest move of the 2026 NBA free agency period.
The deal gives Mathurin guaranteed money for the upcoming season and includes a player option for 2027-28, providing the 24-year-old wing with additional flexibility as he enters the next stage of his NBA career.
Bennedict Mathurin Agrees to Pelicans Contract
Mathurin has found a new destination after spending the 2025-26 season with both the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Clippers.
According to the reported agreement, the Canadian guard will join New Orleans on a two-year contract worth $16 million. The deal reportedly includes a player option for the second season, giving Mathurin an opportunity to reassess his future after the 2026-27 campaign.
The move comes after Mathurin entered free agency following his first season with the Clippers. His representatives reportedly worked with Los Angeles to withdraw his $8.8 million qualifying offer, creating a path toward a more flexible agreement with New Orleans.
Mathurin’s 2025-26 Season
Mathurin remained an effective scoring option throughout the 2025-26 season despite changing teams during the campaign.
Across 54 appearances for the Pacers and Clippers, he averaged 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. His scoring ability and physical style have made him an attractive option for a Pelicans team looking for additional offensive firepower.
After being traded to Los Angeles in February, Mathurin quickly demonstrated his ability to make an impact.
He scored 38 points off the bench in his Clippers debut during a 115-114 victory over the Denver Nuggets, matching his career high.
Mathurin finished his Clippers stint averaging 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and one steal in 26 games.
A Key Part of Indiana’s Finals Run
Before joining the Clippers, Mathurin spent three and a half seasons with the Pacers, who selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Although his role evolved during his time in Indiana, Mathurin became an important bench contributor for the team that reached the NBA Finals in 2025.
He produced one of his biggest playoff performances during that postseason run. In Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Mathurin scored a playoff career-high 27 points in just 22 minutes as Indiana secured a 116-107 victory.
That performance highlighted the scoring punch he could provide without requiring heavy playing time or a starting role.
Why the Pelicans Were Interested in Mathurin
New Orleans adds a proven young scorer who still has room to develop.
Mathurin brings size and athleticism to the wing while possessing the ability to create offense and attack the basket. His experience as both a starter and reserve also gives the Pelicans flexibility when constructing their rotations.
The player option in his new contract could also prove important. Rather than committing to a longer deal with less control over his future, Mathurin has secured another opportunity to test the market relatively soon.
For the Pelicans, the agreement provides access to a player entering his prime without requiring an extremely long financial commitment.
What Mathurin’s Move Means for His Career
The move to New Orleans represents an important opportunity for Mathurin.
He was one of the more highly regarded prospects in the 2022 NBA Draft and showed flashes of his scoring potential early in his career. His move between Indiana and Los Angeles last season gave him another chance to demonstrate that he can contribute in different team environments.
With the Pelicans, Mathurin will look to establish greater consistency and potentially take on an expanded offensive role.
The upcoming season could therefore be significant for his long-term value around the league.
Bennedict Mathurin’s NBA Journey Continues
Mathurin’s career has taken an interesting turn since Indiana selected him sixth overall in 2022.
He developed into a productive scorer with the Pacers before becoming part of a championship-contending roster. His midseason move to the Clippers then gave him experience in a different system and another opportunity to showcase his offensive game.
Now, the Pelicans represent the next chapter.
At 24, Mathurin still has considerable time to develop his game. His scoring production, rebounding ability and experience in high-pressure playoff situations make him an intriguing addition for New Orleans.
Final Thoughts
Bennedict Mathurin‘s reported two-year, $16 million agreement with the New Orleans Pelicans gives both sides an opportunity to benefit.
For Mathurin, the contract provides financial security while preserving flexibility through the player option. For New Orleans, it adds a young and proven scoring wing who has already gained valuable playoff experience.
After productive seasons with the Pacers and Clippers, Mathurin will now look to build momentum in New Orleans and establish himself as a major part of the Pelicans’ plans for the future
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