Bennedict Mathurin has agreed to a two-year, $16 million contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, including a player option for the second season.
ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the deal, which ends Mathurin’s restricted free agency and his brief stint with the Los Angeles Clippers. Mathurin’s representatives requested the Clippers withdraw their $8.8 million qualifying offer, clearing the way for him to sign directly with New Orleans. That move eliminated the need for an offer sheet or sign-and-trade, both of which would have limited contract flexibility.
Deal Structure and Cap Implications for New Orleans
Mathurin’s contract splits $16 million over two years, with a player option for the second season. He can re-enter unrestricted free agency as soon as next summer, a key priority for the 24-year-old guard. Several teams reportedly offered longer-term deals with higher total value, but Mathurin chose flexibility.
New Orleans had targeted Mathurin for over a year, viewing him as a foundational piece for their young core. The Pelicans faced tight cap constraints, sitting just $5.8 million below the luxury tax and $7.4 million under the first tax apron before the agreement. Negotiations to avoid a sign-and-trade proved pivotal. A sign-and-trade would have required a three-year minimum deal and likely forced New Orleans to move salary, possibly including swingman Jordan Hawkins and his $7 million expiring contract.
By striking a direct deal, the Pelicans preserved their ability to stay under the luxury tax this season. That flexibility could prove vital as the front office weighs additional roster moves.
Market Competition and Mathurin’s Financial Calculus
Mathurin was one of the last restricted free agents on the board this summer. The Bulls, Bucks, and Mavericks showed interest, but none matched New Orleans’ offer. Chicago checked in as a potential buy-low suitor but never made a formal bid.
The Clippers, limited by league rules, could only extend a qualifying offer. Mathurin’s camp moved to withdraw the $8.8 million offer, which would have kept him in Los Angeles for another year and delayed his path to unrestricted free agency until 2027. By opting for the Pelicans’ two-year deal with a player option, Mathurin maximizes both his earning potential and his control over his future.
Contract Terms Comparison
| Team | Offer Type | Years | Total Value | Player Option | Free Agency Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clippers | Qualifying Offer | 1 | $8.8M | No | UFA in 2027 |
| Pelicans | Direct Agreement | 2 | $16M | Yes (Year 2) | UFA as early as 2027 |
| Other Teams* | Longer-term Offers | 3+ | Higher | Not specified | Not specified |
*Reportedly received by Mathurin, but declined in favor of flexibility.
Mathurin, 24, joins a Pelicans backcourt that now features Dejounte Murray, Jordan Poole, and 2025 lottery pick Jeremiah Fears. In 26 games with the Clippers after arriving from Indiana in the Ivica Zubac trade, Mathurin averaged 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 28 minutes per game. His three-point shooting, however, plummeted in Los Angeles, dropping from 37.2 percent on 5.6 attempts per game with Indiana to 20.7 percent on 3.2 attempts as a Clipper.
New Orleans continues to build a young, cost-controlled roster while maintaining financial flexibility. The front office’s willingness to offer a player option and avoid long-term guarantees reflects both the team’s cap realities and its appeal to players seeking future market opportunities.
The contract will become official once the Clippers formally withdraw Mathurin’s qualifying offer, a step expected in the coming days.
