The New Orleans Pelicans have signed Canadian small forward Benedict Mathurin of Montreal, Quebec according to Rogers Sportsnet on Wednesday. He signed a two-year contract worth $16 million.
Mathurin is joining his third National Basketball Association franchise. He previously played four seasons with the Indiana Pacers from 2022 to 2026, and then 26 games this past season with the Los Angeles Clippers.
In 54 games this past season with the Pelicans and Clippers, Mathurin averaged 17.6 points per game, 5.4 rebounds per game, and 2.4 assists per game. They were all career-highs. Mathurin also had a field goal percentage of .430, three point percentage of .315, and free throw percentage of .869.
Mathurin tied a career-high with most points in a game this past season while with the Clippers. He had 38 points in a 115-114 Clippers win over the Denver Nuggets on February 19. While coming off the bench, Mathurin led the Clippers in scoring. He made 12 of 22 field goal attempts, two of six three point attempts and and 12 of 13 free throws. Mathurin also had 38 points on November 10, 2024 in a 132-121 Pacers win over the New York Knicks.
In adding Mathurin, there are now trade rumours that Trey Murphy III may soon be traded by New Orleans. Two teams that are reportedly very interested are the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors.
