Pelicans finally land longtime target Bennedict Mathurin

Bennedict Mathurin. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Pelicans finally land longtime target Bennedict Mathurin

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Aug 26, 2026 12:17 PM ET

The New Orleans Pelicans have finally landed a player they’ve been pursuing for more than a year.

After repeatedly expressing interest in Bennedict Mathurin, New Orleans has secured the talented wing, adding a long-coveted piece to its roster ahead of the upcoming NBA season.

According to NBA insider Shams Charania, New Orleans has inked Mathurin to a two-year deal worth $16 million.

Several reporters around the league have indicated the Pelicans have been pursuing Mathurin for over a year, and the team believes he can be an important piece to their rebuild.

Bennedict Mathurin has agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, including a player option, sources tell ESPN.

Mathurin’s reps approached the Clippers about withdrawing his $8.8M qualifying offer, effectively turning the QO into a more favorable… pic.twitter.com/U53SEBOm3m
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 26, 2026

The process to get Bennedict Mathurin was tricky

According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, the Los Angeles Clippers had an $8.8 million qualifying offer out for Mathurin, as they acquired him last season from the Indiana Pacers.

Siegel reported that the Clippers are in the process of pulling their qualifying offer, which would make Mathurin an unrestricted free agent and able to officially sign with New Orleans.

What will Bennedict Mathurin's role be?

Mathurin has averaged 16.2 points per game across five seasons despite never being the No. 1 option in Indiana or Los Angeles. He'll likely be a secondary option in New Orleans as well, with Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy on the roster.

He isn't a particularly great career shooter (33.6% from three), so it will be intriguing to see how Mathurin is used as a second or third option for the Pelicans over the next two seasons.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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