The essentials
Mathurin joins Pelicans on $16M deal after Clippers rescind qualifying offer.
Bennedict Mathurin has signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, completing his free agency following a complex offseason path. The signing came after the Los Angeles Clippers agreed to rescind Mathurin's qualifying offer, making him available on the open market.
Mathurin's journey to New Orleans began with a trade from the Indiana Pacers to the Clippers earlier in the offseason. With the Pacers, Mathurin averaged a career-high 17.6 points during the 2025-26 season and helped Indianapolis reach the 2025 NBA Finals. However, his three-point shooting declined significantly after joining Los Angeles, creating uncertainty about his fit with the Western Conference contender.
The Pelicans acquire a scoring contributor entering his prime years on an affordable contract, addressing roster depth as they construct their competitive core.
Other ways to read this story.
Alternative framings generated by SigNews. These are not independent sources or attributed quotations.
Mathurin's shooting regression raises questions about fit
Mathurin posted career-high scoring with Indiana at 17.6 points per game, but his three-point efficiency dropped notably after joining the Clippers. The $16 million Pelicans contract reflects this uncertainty, representing a modest investment for a player whose recent trajectory has been inconsistent rather than ascending.
New Orleans adds Finals-tested scorer on affordable contract
Mathurin brings playoff experience from his Pacers tenure, including a Finals run. At 24 years old on a two-year deal, he offers New Orleans an affordable scoring option with upside if his shooting stabilizes, making this a low-risk roster addition for a franchise seeking depth support.