Bennedict Mathurin signs two-year deal with Pelicans

Bennedict Mathurin has finalized a two-year, $16 million contract with the New Orleans Pelicans. The deal includes a player option for the second year. Mathurin, a 24-year-old former sixth overall pick, chose a shorter-term agreement that allows him to reach unrestricted free agency as early as next offseason, despite reportedly receiving longer-term offers with higher total value.

The Pelicans secured the necessary roster and financial flexibility for this signing following a trade with Memphis that involved Jordan Hawkins, Micah Peavy, and draft assets in exchange for AJ Johnson and Taj Gibson. Mathurin is expected to bolster the Pelicans' offensive capabilities alongside players like Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray.

While Mathurin brings aggressive scoring and experience from previous seasons with the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Clippers, analysts note potential challenges regarding his shooting efficiency. Last season, he averaged 17.6 points and 5.4 rebounds, but struggled with three-point accuracy, shooting 31.5 percent from distance.