By Gee Bino | The Who Dat Daily

The New Orleans Pelicans may not be finished reshaping their backcourt.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Pelicans have shown interest in Los Angeles Clippers restricted free agent Bennedict Mathurin. New Orleans has reportedly had recent dialogue with Mathurin’s representatives, although that interest has not yet developed into a formal sign-and-trade negotiation with the Clippers.

That distinction matters.

The Pelicans appear to be exploring the possibility of adding one of the best remaining young scorers on the market. However, acquiring him would require more than a standard free-agent pitch. New Orleans is operating above the salary cap, and the Clippers retain the right to match an offer sheet for Mathurin.

This is not a completed deal or even an advanced negotiation. It is a developing situation involving a talented 24-year-old guard, a capped-out Pelicans team and a Clippers organization that controls the next move.

---

The Pelicans’ Interest Is Real—but Preliminary

Fischer reported that New Orleans had not yet approached Los Angeles about specific sign-and-trade structures as of Monday. The Pelicans could still make a separate trade to create enough room to extend Mathurin an offer sheet, but the Clippers would then have the opportunity to match it.

That leaves New Orleans with two realistic paths:

1. Create access to a larger exception or sufficient room below the tax through a salary-shedding trade.
2. Negotiate a sign-and-trade that sends acceptable value to the Clippers.

Neither path is simple.

The Pelicans would have to decide how strongly they value Mathurin, what salary they are willing to commit and which players or draft assets they would consider moving. Los Angeles must also decide whether it prefers to re-sign Mathurin, match an offer sheet or cooperate in a sign-and-trade.

For now, the most accurate description is that the Pelicans are interested—not that a trade is imminent.

---

Why Bennedict Mathurin Appeals to New Orleans

Mathurin offers something the Pelicans have lacked consistently: a powerful perimeter scorer who can attack a tilted defense and create points without requiring a perfectly executed set.

The 6-foot-5 guard averaged 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists during the 2025–26 season. He has career averages of 16.2 points and 4.7 rebounds, demonstrating that his scoring production is not based on one short hot streak.

Mathurin plays with force. He attacks closeouts, absorbs contact and looks to reach the paint. He can punish smaller guards, score in transition and provide offense when the initial action breaks down.

That profile could help a Pelicans team that has often become too dependent on Zion Williamson creating an advantage or Trey Murphy III converting difficult perimeter looks. Mathurin would give head coach Jamahl Mosley another downhill option capable of putting pressure on the rim.

His age also fits the timeline of New Orleans’ core. The Pelicans would not be acquiring a short-term veteran rental. They would be investing in a former lottery pick who should still have developmental upside.

---

Film Room: The Fit Is More Complicated Than the Scoring Average

Mathurin’s best offensive trait is his aggression. He does not need much encouragement to attack a gap or challenge a defender at the rim.

That mentality can energize an offense, especially during stagnant stretches. He can run the floor, cut behind ball-watching defenders and attack mismatches from the wing. His strength allows him to maintain his line through contact.

However, roster construction cannot be reduced to adding another scorer.

Mathurin shot 31.5% from three-point range during the 2025–26 season. If he shares the floor with Zion and a traditional center, spacing could become cramped. New Orleans already has several players who are most effective with the ball or when attacking the paint.

The defensive fit also deserves scrutiny. Mosley wants length, pressure and connected rotations. Mathurin has the physical tools to survive defensively, but the Pelicans would need consistent effort away from the ball and disciplined execution within the team’s scheme.

The question is not whether Mathurin can score. He can. The question is whether New Orleans can build lineups that maximize his rim pressure without making its spacing and defensive balance worse.

---

What Would a Sign-and-Trade Require?

A sign-and-trade would allow Mathurin to sign a new contract before being sent to New Orleans. It would also require the Pelicans and Clippers to agree on compensation and comply with the NBA’s salary-matching and apron restrictions.

That could force New Orleans to include an established rotation player, movable salary, draft compensation or some combination of those pieces. The Pelicans should be extremely careful about sacrificing one of their best defenders simply to add another offense-first guard.

The alternative would be creating enough financial flexibility to use a larger exception or submit an offer sheet. Yet that route could require New Orleans to attach an asset to move salary, and the Clippers could still match the offer.

In other words, the transaction cost matters almost as much as the player.

---

Big Q’s Take

Mathurin is talented enough for the Pelicans to make the call. New Orleans needs more players who attack with confidence, manufacture free throws and create offense when a possession falls apart.

But interest should not become desperation.

The Pelicans cannot afford to weaken their defense, surrender premium assets and commit major long-term money simply because Mathurin is one of the best names still available. The front office must determine whether he complements Zion, Murphy and the rest of the backcourt—or merely duplicates skills already on the roster.

If the price is a reasonable package built around movable salary and limited draft compensation, the conversation makes sense. If Los Angeles wants one of New Orleans’ foundational two-way players, the Pelicans should walk away.

---

Why It Matters

The Mathurin interest reveals that the Pelicans are still searching for another perimeter creator. It also suggests the organization may be willing to change the current roster before training camp.

New Orleans finished 26–56 last season. Standing pat would place enormous pressure on internal development and improved health. Adding Mathurin could raise the offense’s ceiling, but only if the Pelicans preserve enough shooting, defense and frontcourt support around him.

The pursuit is worth monitoring. It is not yet close enough to call a deal.

Prediction: The Pelicans continue exploring Mathurin’s market, but a transaction will depend on the Clippers lowering their price or New Orleans completing a separate salary-clearing move.

Confidence level: 65%

Gee Bino is a senior writer and columnist for The Who Dat Daily, covering the New Orleans Saints, Pelicans, LSU athletics, and the Gulf South sports landscape. He specializes in roster construction, player development, salary cap strategy, and breaking news coverage. Follow The Who Dat Daily for daily news, analysis, and exclusive team coverage.

Why the Pelicans Are Shopping Jordan Hawkins? – The Who Dat Daily