Pelicans position themselves as suitors for Mathurin

The New Orleans Pelicans have entered discussions with restricted free agent Bennedict Mathurin, signalling one of their first concrete steps toward reshaping a roster that finished last season at 26–56. According to Marc Stein, the team recently contacted the Clippers guard, while another unidentified franchise has also shown interest. Los Angeles retain the right to match any offer or negotiate a sign‑and‑trade, a scenario Jake Fischer reports the organisation would consider if mutually beneficial.

Mathurin reached free agency after completing his four‑year, $29.9 million rookie deal and delivered 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists across 54 games split between Indiana and Los Angeles. His aggression at the rim and ability to generate free throws remained consistent despite a dip from three. Over four seasons, he has averaged 16.2 points and built a reputation as a reliable scorer. For New Orleans, pursuing Mathurin marks a deliberate attempt to add punch to a largely unchanged core.