Bennedict Mathurin is heading to New Orleans.

The 23-year-old has agreed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Pelicans, with the deal including a player option.

Mathurin had been a restricted free agent after finishing last season with the Los Angeles Clippers, but his representatives approached the Clippers about withdrawing his $8.8 million qualifying offer.

The decision gives Mathurin greater security now while retaining flexibility over his future.

Mathurin chooses New Orleans

New Orleans had emerged as the most aggressive team pursuing Mathurin in recent days.

The Pelicans had been exploring the possibility of acquiring him via sign-and-trade, while Mathurin also had the option of accepting his qualifying offer and remaining with the Clippers for another season.

Instead, Mathurin has opted for a two-year agreement with New Orleans.

The player option is significant. It potentially gives him the opportunity to return to unrestricted free agency next summer rather than committing himself to a longer-term deal with greater team control.

Pelicans add another proven scorer

Mathurin gives New Orleans a 23-year-old scorer who has already shown he can produce consistently at NBA level.

He averaged 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists across 54 games split between Indiana and Los Angeles last season.

After joining the Clippers, Mathurin averaged 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 26 appearances

His ability to attack the basket and get to the free-throw line gives New Orleans another genuine scoring option as the Pelicans continue reshaping their roster.

A short stay with the Clippers

Mathurin's time in Los Angeles ultimately lasted only part of one season.

After beginning his NBA career with the Indiana Pacers, he moved to the Clippers during the 2025-26 campaign and became a restricted free agent this summer.

The Clippers extended the qualifying offer that gave them control over his restricted free agency, but Mathurin's future increasingly appeared to come down to either remaining in Los Angeles or finding a route to New Orleans.

New Orleans has now won that race.

An interesting gamble for both sides

There's quite a lot to like about this deal for the Pelicans.

Mathurin is still only 23 and already has four NBA seasons behind him. New Orleans isn't simply taking a punt on potential, they're adding a player who has already demonstrated that he can score at a high level.

For Mathurin, the structure is equally interesting.

Rather than locking himself into a longer contract, he gets $16 million of security with the flexibility provided by the player option.

If he has a big first season in New Orleans, that could put him in a very interesting position next summer.

For the Pelicans, it's another young scorer added to a roster they're continuing to reshape.

And for Mathurin, it's a fresh start after a very short stay in Los Angeles.