Bennedict Mathurin, the 24‑year‑old former Arizona Wildcats guard, is set to begin the next chapter of his NBA career in the Big Easy. The Pelicans announced a two‑year contract worth $16 million, which includes a player option for the second year, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Why Mathurin chose New Orleans
Charania reported that Mathurin prioritized flexibility and an earlier path to unrestricted free agency over longer‑term offers that would have kept him under tighter team control. The move gives him a clearer route to a starting role, something he did not consistently achieve in Los Angeles.
Recent NBA history
After three and a half seasons with the Indiana Pacers, Mathurin was dealt to the Los Angeles Clippers last season. He appeared in 26 games for the Clippers, starting only once, and posted averages of 17.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game during his most recent season.
Opportunity in New Orleans
In New Orleans, Mathurin will compete for playing time with fellow wing players Trey Murphy III and Saddiq Bey. The Pelicans, coming off a 26‑56 record, are looking to add scoring depth and athleticism on the wing, and Mathurin’s proven scoring ability fits that need.
Arizona connection
Mathurin becomes the first Arizona alumnus to join the Pelicans since Solomon Hill and Stanley Johnson suited up for the team in 2019. His signing reflects the continued interest NBA franchises have in the talent produced by the Arizona basketball program.
What this means for Arizona fans
Local supporters will be watching Mathurin’s progress closely, hoping his success in New Orleans will highlight the strength of the Wildcats’ development pipeline. While the Pelicans are a distant market, the connection to Arizona remains strong through Mathurin’s roots and the university’s reputation for producing NBA‑ready players.
Looking ahead
The Pelicans have not disclosed the exact terms of the player option, but the contract’s structure suggests both parties expect a productive partnership. If Mathurin can secure a regular starting role, he could significantly boost his market value before reaching unrestricted free agency.
Fans of Arizona basketball will have another reason to tune in to NBA action, tracking Mathurin’s journey from Tucson to New Orleans and cheering his continued growth on the professional stage.
Original reporting: Arizona Desert Swarm (Tucson Sports) — read the source article.
