Mathurin Agrees to 2-Year, $16M Deal With Pelicans

Bennedict Mathurin has agreed to a two-year, $16 million contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, according to multiple reports on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The deal, which includes a player option for the second year, was first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania. The agreement ends a long pursuit by the Pelicans, who have been interested in the 24-year-old wing for over a year.

The contract structure was chosen by Mathurin, who reportedly prioritized flexibility and the earliest possible path to unrestricted free agency. He reportedly turned down longer-term offers that featured more total money in favor of this shorter deal. The agreement was reached after Mathurin's representatives approached the Los Angeles Clippers about withdrawing their $8.8 million qualifying offer, which would make him an unrestricted free agent and allow him to sign directly with New Orleans.

The Clippers had tendered Mathurin the qualifying offer after acquiring him from the Indiana Pacers in a multiplayer trade on February 5, 2026. That trade sent center Ivica Zubac to Indiana. According to reports, the Clippers have not yet formally withdrawn the qualifying offer but are expected to work with...