Pelicans sign Bennedict Mathurin to two-year, $16 million deal
ESPN • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 3:43 PM
Last updated Aug 26, 2026
Bennedict Mathurin has reached an agreement with the New Orleans Pelicans on a two-year contract worth $16 million. The deal reportedly includes a player option and follows Mathurin's decision to withdraw his $8.8 million qualifying offer from the Los Angeles Clippers. This move suggests that Mathurin is seeking increased flexibility and a quicker path to unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2027, avoiding longer-term commitments that involve more team control. The Pelicans have been actively pursuing Mathurin, marking a significant shift in his contract situation.
- •Mathurin agrees to a two-year, $16 million contract with the Pelicans.
- •The deal includes a player option for the second year.
- •Mathurin withdrew his qualifying offer from the Clippers before signing.
- •He prioritized flexibility over longer-term contract commitments.
- •The Pelicans have shown aggressive interest in Mathurin throughout negotiations.
- 4:35 PMESPN — Sources: Pels reach 2-year deal with Mathurin
- 3:23 PMYahoo Sports — Bennedict Mathurin, Pelicans agree to a two-year, $16 million deal
- 3:09 PMYahoo Sports — Bennedict Mathurin reportedly agrees to 2-year, $16 million deal with Pelicans
"Bennedict Mathurin has agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal with the Pelicans, including a player option, sources told ESPN.
"Mathurin has averaged 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game over the first four seasons of his career.
"Bennedict Mathurin, Pelicans agree to a two-year, $16 million deal
Sources
External links- ESPNAug 26, 2026, 4:35 PMSources: Pels reach 2-year deal with Mathurin
Bennedict Mathurin has agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal with the Pelicans, including a player option, sources told ESPN.
- Yahoo SportsAug 26, 2026, 3:23 PMBennedict Mathurin, Pelicans agree to a two-year, $16 million deal
Bennedict Mathurin, Pelicans agree to a two-year, $16 million deal
- Yahoo SportsAug 26, 2026, 3:09 PMBennedict Mathurin reportedly agrees to 2-year, $16 million deal with Pelicans
Mathurin has averaged 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game over the first four seasons of his career.
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