Bennedict Mathurin is now on the New Orleans Pelicans roster after leaving the Los Angeles Clippers, per the official roster update on Thursday, Sep 10. The move follows a Sept. 5 Hoops Rumors item on Pelicans cap maneuvering that was flagged at 39% confidence.
The move
Bennedict Mathurin is now on the New Orleans Pelicans roster, having left the Los Angeles Clippers, according to the official roster change detected Thursday, Sep 10. The move follows a Sept. 5 report from Hoops Rumors, "Cap Observations: Pelicans, Cavs, Raptors, Stretch Provision," flagged at 39% confidence, which had named the Pelicans among clubs to watch. Mathurin is a 24-year-old guard-forward entering his fourth NBA season. No trade or signing terms are confirmed beyond the roster change itself.
The money
Mathurin's contract is not on file yet; public salary data can lag a signing by a day, so his cap hit and contract length are not known for now. New Orleans carries a payroll of $200.1 million across 18 contracts for 2026-27, over the $165.0 million salary cap but under the $200.4 million luxury tax line. The Pelicans sit below both the $209.0 million first apron and the $221.7 million second apron. Where Mathurin's eventual number lands will factor into how close the team moves toward those thresholds.
The fit
Mathurin averaged 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 30.0 minutes across 54 games last season. He joins a Pelicans backcourt and wing group that last season featured Trey Murphy III (35.5 minutes, 21.5 points), Saddiq Bey (31.2 minutes, 17.7 points), Zion Williamson (29.7 minutes, 21.0 points), Herbert Jones (28.4 minutes, 8.9 points), Dejounte Murray (27.8 minutes, 16.7 points) and rookie guard Jeremiah Fears (25.8 minutes, 14.3 points). New Orleans now carries 20 players on its roster: 15 on standard contracts plus three two-way spots.
Is Bennedict Mathurin's contract with the Pelicans official?
It is not on file yet. Public salary data can lag a signing by a day.
What report preceded the move?
A Sept. 5 Hoops Rumors item, "Cap Observations: Pelicans, Cavs, Raptors, Stretch Provision," flagged the Pelicans at 39% confidence.
How does New Orleans' 2026-27 payroll look?
$200.1 million across 18 contracts, over the $165.0 million cap and under the $200.4 million tax line, with a $209.0 million first apron and $221.7 million second apron.
How many players are on the Pelicans roster now?
20 players: 15 on standard contracts plus three two-way deals.