What happened: New Orleans completed its signing of Bennedict Mathurin, according to the NBA’s transactions log. The agreement had been reported as a two-year, $16 million contract with a player option.
Why it matters: The signing follows New Orleans’ four-player trade with Memphis, which cleared $5.7 million in salary. The Pelicans project to sit about $7.9 million below the luxury tax and $9.5 million below the first apron.
By the numbers: Mathurin averaged 17.6 points in 54 appearances during the 2025-26 season.
What to watch: His role in New Orleans’ rotation will be a key preseason development.