The New Orleans Pelicans reportedly had their eyes on acquiring small forward Bennedict Mathurin of the Los Angeles Clippers before the NBA’s trade deadline in February.
Six months later, the Pelicans got their man.
Mathurin, a four-year NBA veteran, agreed to two-year deal worth $16 million, ESPN Senior Basketball Insider Shams Charania reported.
The 6-foot-5, 210-pound Mathurin, a former sixth overall selection out of the University of Arizona by the Indiana Pacers in 2022.
Mathurin joins former LSU standout Trendon Watford as offseason acquisitions by New Orleans. This latest move is expected to prompt a trade because the Pelicans currently don’t have any roster spots available.
The Clippers, where he averaged 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists, have reportedly not withdrawn their qualifying offer to Mathurin of $8.8 million, according to Jake Fisher of Stein Line Newsletter.
Mathurin has averaged double-figure points in each of his four seasons in the NBA, enjoying a career-best 17.6 scoring average in 2025-26, playing parts of the season in both Indiana and Los Angeles.
He averaged 5.5 rebounds – a career best – with shooting percentages of 42.9% from 2-point range and 28% from 3-point land.
Mathurin reached double figures in 44 of 54 games with a high of 38 points in a 111-109 loss to the Orlando Magic. He spent a great deal of the season dealing with a painful toe injury.
Over his 263-game NBA career, Mathurin’s averaged 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and shot 44.2% from the field, 33.6% from 3-point land and 83.8% from the free throw line.
