The New Orleans Pelicans have entered negotiations with restricted free agent Bennedict Mathurin as they explore ways to upgrade a roster that finished 26-56 last season.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Monday that the Pelicans have held recent negotiations with Mathurin, while also noting that another unnamed team has expressed interest in the Los Angeles Clippers guard-forward. The Clippers continue to hold Mathurin’s restricted free agency rights, allowing them to match any offer sheet or negotiate a sign-and-trade if they determine that is the best path forward.
Mathurin became a restricted free agent after completing his four-year, $29.9 million rookie contract. According to Jake Fischer, Los Angeles remains interested in retaining the former No. 6 overall pick but is willing to discuss sign-and-trade scenarios if a deal benefits both the player and the organization.
The 23-year-old split the 2025-26 season between the Indiana Pacers and Clippers after being traded during the year. Across 54 games, Mathurin averaged 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 30.0 minutes per game while shooting 43.0% from the field and 86.9% from the free-throw line.
His production remained largely unchanged after arriving in Los Angeles. In 26 games with the Clippers, including one start, Mathurin averaged 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Although his three-point percentage dropped to 20.7% on 3.2 attempts per game, he converted 50.2% of his two-point shots and continued to pressure defenses by averaging 7.3 free-throw attempts while making 85.8% from the foul line.
Mathurin has developed into a consistent scorer over four NBA seasons. He owns career averages of 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists across 263 regular-season games, with his ability to draw contact and earn trips to the free-throw line remaining one of the strongest parts of his offensive game.
New Orleans’ interest comes after one of the quietest offseasons in the league. The Pelicans finished 11th in the Western Conference with a 26-56 record and have made few significant roster changes, largely opting to retain last season’s core despite widespread speculation that more aggressive moves could follow.
The team’s leading scorers from last season remain in place. Trey Murphy III averaged a team-high 21.5 points while shooting 37.9% from three-point range, Zion Williamson contributed 21.0 points on an efficient 60.0% from the field, and Saddiq Bey added 17.7 points per game. Rookie guard Jeremiah Fears also showed promise by averaging 14.3 points and 3.4 assists over all 82 games.
