Veteran wing Bennedict Mathurin has officially inked a two‑year contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, according to an ESPN report cited by Field Level Media on August 26. The agreement is valued at $16 million and includes a player option for the final year, giving Mathurin flexibility to assess his future after the 2027‑28 season.
Season‑long performance that earned the deal
Mathurin, 24, posted career‑best averages during the 2025‑26 season. In 54 games – 25 of them as a starter – he averaged 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists. Those numbers came while he split his time between the Indiana Pacers and the Los Angeles Clippers. The Pacers had originally acquired Mathurin in the multi‑player trade that sent center Ivica Zubac to Indiana on February 5, 2026, before moving him to the Clippers later in the season.
Career background
The Montreal native was selected sixth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Pacers. Since entering the league, Mathurin has appeared in 263 games, starting 110 of them, and has averaged 16.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per contest. His steady improvement and scoring ability have made him a valuable piece for teams looking for a versatile wing who can contribute on both ends of the floor.
What the Pelicans gain
By adding Mathurin, the Pelicans bolster a roster that already features a blend of young talent and seasoned veterans. His ability to score in the mid‑range, finish at the rim, and defend multiple positions aligns with New Orleans’ strategic focus on depth and flexibility. The player option in the contract also provides the Pelicans with a clear path to retain a proven scorer should he continue to develop.
Looking ahead
With the contract now in place, Mathurin will join Pelicans’ training camp this fall, where he will compete for a regular‑season role. Fans in New Orleans can expect to see him featured in the team’s offensive sets, especially in situations that require a reliable wing scorer. The deal also signals the organization’s confidence in Mathurin’s upward trajectory and his potential to become a cornerstone of the franchise’s future plans.
While the Pelicans have not disclosed the exact structure of the player option, the inclusion of such a clause typically allows the athlete to opt‑out after the first year if a more lucrative offer arises, or to stay on the current terms if both parties are satisfied. This flexibility is increasingly common in NBA contracts, reflecting the league’s evolving approach to player movement and financial planning.
Mathurin’s signing adds another chapter to a career that has already seen rapid growth. As the Pelicans look to improve their standing in the Western Conference, his scoring prowess and defensive versatility could prove pivotal in close games and playoff contention.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
