The New Orleans Pelicans are signing Bennedict Mathurin to a two-year, $16-million contract, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
Mathurin was a restricted free agent with the Los Angeles Clippers, but the team reportedly withdrew his $8.8-million qualifying offer after meeting with his agents.
His new contract with New Orleans reportedly contains a player option in the second year, offering the 24-year-old a chance to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
The Arizona product thrived in a reserve role for the Clippers, averaging 17.4 points, 5.5 boards, 2.5 assists, and one steal across 26 appearances. He tied his career high with 38 points against the Denver Nuggets in his home debut.
Mathurin has done a tremendous job of getting to the charity stripe throughout his career. The Canadian was 15th in free-throw attempts (454) during the 2022-23 campaign and averaged 7.3 free-throw attempts as a member of the Clippers.
Indiana selected Mathurin with the No. 6 overall pick. The 24-year-old provided the Pacers with steady scoring over parts of four seasons, averaging 16.1 points on 44.4% shooting. He played a key role off the bench during the team's Finals run in 2025.
Mathurin made the NBA's All-Rookie first team in 2022-23. He was also fourth in Rookie of the Year voting and eighth in the Sixth Man race during his debut campaign.
