The New Orleans Pelicans made a sneaky good move on Wednesday when they signed Bennedict Mathurin to a two-year, $16 million deal. Mathurin, if you’ll remember, was a driving force during the Indiana Pacers’ run to the 2025 NBA Finals.
Mathurin was dealt to the Clippers last season and continued to improve before inking a deal with the Pelicans this week. The NBA World had plenty to say about the deal.
NBA World Reacts to Bennedict Mathurin, Pelicans Agreeing to $16 Million Deal
Mathurin is coming off an excellent season that saw him average 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 43.0% from the field in 54 total games split between Indiana and Los Angeles.
Still just 24 years old, many are wondering how Mathurin became available so cheaply. CJ Martin thinks the Pelicans got an absolute steal.
“2 years 16 for this guys talent is absolutely insane,” they posted on X.
2 years 16 for this guys talent is absolutely insane
— Cj Martin (@ChrisCjmartin) August 26, 2026
If Mathurin can continue to improve on his production, Martin’s statement will age well. Marlen Pesochinsky agrees.
“Great pick up for the pelicans holy underpay,” Pesochinsky said.
Great pick up for the pelicans holy underpay
— Marlen Pesochinsky (@MarlenPesochin3) August 26, 2026
The second year of Mathurin’s deal is a player option, per Shams Charania.
“Bennedict Mathurin has agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, including a player option, sources tell ESPN,” he wrote.
John Arias of The Opp Report takes the opposite view and sees it as a smart move for Mathurin himself.
“Smart move by him, ball out in NO and get your money next year hopefully,” Arias stated.
Smart move by him, ball out in NO and get your money next year hopefully 🤞.
— John Arias (@TheOppReportFF) August 26, 2026
Obviously, the move could backfire, but because he has a player option, he has the chance to get right back out there in free agency next season. If he plays poorly or is injured, he still has another year he can opt into.
Darth Brady is just hoping he can finally find his place in the league.
“Hoping he finally finds his footing in the league,” they posted.
Obviously, Mathurin has had success in the league, but efficiency has been an issue, which Brady may be referencing. He is a career 44.2% shooter from the field and 33.6% from three. Both of those numbers (43.0%, 31.5%) were down last season. His free-throw shooting, however, was up from his career average. He shot 86.9% from the charity stripe last season compared to his career average of 83.8%.
Animotica Studios used the deal to sum up the Pelican’s issues.
“New Orleans has the players contenders want, yet they themselves aren’t good,” they wrote.
New Orleans has the players contenders want, yet they themselves aren’t good
— Animotica Studios (@AnimoticaS) August 26, 2026
Maybe the Pelicans believe this is the chance to turn things around in New Orleans. However, if they continue to struggle, we could see players like Mathurin or highly-sought-after veteran Trey Murphy dealt before the deadline.
Mathurin was set to be a restricted free agent, with many initially believing he would return to the Clippers, as Charania reported further details about the move.
“Mathurin’s reps approached the Clippers about withdrawing his $8.8M qualifying offer, effectively turning the QO into a more favorable situation in New Orleans with added security,” Charania posted. “Mathurin prioritized flexibility and the earliest path to unrestricted free agency next summer versus longer term offers with larger total commitments but greater team control.”
Mathurin was selected with the sixth overall pick in the 2022 Draft out of Arizona and instantly made an impact, earning NBA All-Rookie Team honors in 2023 and winning the Rising Stars Challenge MVP in 2024.
MORE: Rich Paul Details 1 Major Factor That Will Help Klay Thompson ‘Play Better’ After Signing Heat Deal
Mathurin, along with Isaiah Jackson, two first-round picks, and one second-round pick, were traded to the Clippers in exchange for Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown.
The deal became a bit of a mess for the Pacers, and they not only gave up Mathurin but also had one of their picks become the fifth overall selection in this summer’s draft, which the Clippers used to select former Illinois guard Keaton Wagler.
The Pelicans have received heavy criticism lately, as they just can’t seem to get out of their own way. This deal has received praise, and the Pelicans and their fans like what they are hearing so far.
