Pelicans Sign Mathurin
The New Orleans Pelicans sign guard Bennedict Mathurin to a two-year deal.
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Key Points
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In February 2026, a multi‑player trade sent center Ivica Zubac to Indiana and brought Bennedict Mathurin to the Clippers from the Pacers; Mathurin then appeared in 54 games (25 starts) last season, averaging 17.6 points per game.
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ClutchPoints reported that New Orleans had discussed a sign‑and‑trade path for Mathurin, with insiders noting the Pelicans could target assets such as Jordan Hawkins in a deal as part of pursuing him on the restricted/free‑agent market.
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Mathurin is a Montreal native and Canadian guard who was selected sixth overall by the Pacers in the 2022 draft.
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Career averages over four seasons include 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, along with shooting splits of about 44.2% FG, 33% 3PT, and 83.8% FT.
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The Pelicans had previously shown interest in Mathurin since July, with reports of ongoing dialogue and the pursuit described as a long‑standing effort to add him to the core.
The New Orleans Pelicans signed Bennedict Mathurin to a two-year, $16 million deal with a player option in year two, according to Yahoo Sports. The 24-year-old Canadian guard posted 17.6 points per game last season with the Los Angeles Clippers and becomes a key piece in New Orleans' young core alongside Zion Williamson.
Mathurin was originally drafted sixth overall by Indiana in 2022 and traded to the Clippers in February 2026 in a multi-player deal that sent center Ivica Zubac to the Pacers. The Pelicans had pursued him since July, and ClutchPoints reported they explored a sign-and-trade path before landing him on the open market.
From Pacers Draft Pick to Clippers Trade
Mathurin entered the NBA as Indiana's sixth overall pick in 2022. He spent his first three seasons with the Pacers before a February 2026 trade sent him to Los Angeles. IndyStar reported that Zubac moved to Indiana in the swap. Mathurin appeared in 54 games for the Clippers last season, starting 25 of them.
Strong Season Shooting Numbers Attract New Orleans
Last season with the Clippers, Mathurin averaged 17.6 points per game on 43% shooting from the field and 31.5% from three-point range. Over four seasons in the league, he has averaged 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while shooting 44.2% overall and 33% from deep, according to Arizona Desert Swarm.
Pelicans' Long Push Finally Pays Off
New Orleans had shown interest in Mathurin since July, with a long-term courtship that included exploring different paths to add him. Roundtable reported the Clippers did not immediately withdraw their qualifying offer, but the two-year deal gives Mathurin a quick route to free agency next summer.
The move strengthens a young Pelicans roster built around Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and Saddiq Bey. At $16 million over two years, Mathurin represents an affordable scoring punch on the wing while the organization continues building toward contention.
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