The New Orleans Pelicans have reportedly reached an agreement with free agent Bennedict Mathurin on a two-year contract worth $16 million, adding a proven scoring option to their roster.
The deal includes a player option, giving Mathurin flexibility over his future after joining New Orleans following a season split between the Indiana Pacers and LA Clippers.
Mathurin averaged 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists across 54 games last season. The 2022 sixth overall pick began his NBA career with Indiana and spent his first three-and-a-half seasons with the Pacers before being traded to the Clippers in February 2026.
His arrival in Los Angeles produced an immediate highlight. Making his Clippers debut against the Denver Nuggets, Mathurin came off the bench to score 38 points, matching his career high. His performance proved decisive as Los Angeles secured a narrow 115-114 victory.
The move to New Orleans gives Mathurin another fresh start after establishing himself as an important rotation player during his time in Indiana.
Mathurin developed into a valuable bench contributor with the Pacers and played a significant role during their run to the NBA Finals in the 2024-25 season. His ability to provide scoring without starting was particularly evident during the championship series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In Game 3 of the Finals, Mathurin delivered one of the standout postseason performances of his career. He scored a playoff career-high 27 points despite playing only 22 minutes off the bench, helping Indiana claim a 116-107 victory.
That Finals appearance added to Mathurin’s experience in high-pressure situations and demonstrated the offensive impact he can provide in a reserve role.
Now, the 2022 lottery pick is set for the next stage of his NBA career with the Pelicans. His reported two-year agreement offers New Orleans a player with established scoring production as well as experience contributing to a team that competed deep into the postseason.
For Mathurin, the deal represents another opportunity to build on a career that has already taken him from Indiana to Los Angeles and now New Orleans.
After averaging 17.6 points last season and showing his ability to deliver explosive performances off the bench, Mathurin will look to bring that same scoring threat to the Pelicans in the upcoming campaign.
