Pelicans clear roster space after signing Bennedict Mathurin
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 27, 2026, 12:45 AM
Last updated Aug 27, 2026
The New Orleans Pelicans signed wing Bennedict Mathurin on August 26, adding to their roster while facing salary cap challenges. To address being over the luxury tax, potential moves include waiving Trendon Watford, trading Jordan Hawkins or Jordan Poole, or using a waive-and-stretch option on a larger contract. While Watford's non-guaranteed contract offers flexibility, trading Hawkins, who struggled to make an impact last season, poses challenges. Poole’s expiring deal may become more tradeable closer to the deadline.
- •Pelicans signed Bennedict Mathurin on August 26.
- •Team is over the luxury tax and needs to make moves.
- •Options include waiving Trendon Watford or trading Jordan Hawkins.
- •Jordan Poole's $34 million contract complicates trade possibilities.
- •Potential for waive-and-stretch options on larger contracts.
- 12:45 AMYahoo Sports — Three Ways New Orleans Pelicans Can Clear Space For Bennedict Mathurin
"These three actions could help clear the New Orleans Pelicans of their new issues following the signing of Bennedict Mathurin.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NBA•Oct 17, 2026, 9:35 AMSuns Owner Delivers Stunning Claim On Team’s Playoff Future
NBA•Oct 17, 2026, 8:40 AMThe Pacers are 'unlocking each other' under new center Ivica Zubac ahead of regular season
NBA•Oct 17, 2026, 3:41 AMNew Orleans Pelicans vs Indiana Pacers
NBA•Oct 17, 2026, 2:33 AMAJ Dybantsa exits Wizards’ preseason game vs. Pelicans after painful ankle roll
NBA•Oct 17, 2026, 12:00 AM5 Bold Miami Heat Predictions for 2026-2027 Season, Including Return of Vintage Giannis Antetokounmpo
NBA•Oct 16, 2026, 9:29 PMNaji Marshall’s New Point Guard Role Is A Risk For Dallas