Sources: Pels reach 2-year deal with Mathurin
Bennedict Mathurin has agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal with the Pelicans, including a player option, sources told ESPN.
Bennedict Mathurin is heading to the Big Easy! The 22-year-old shooting guard has agreed to a two-year deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, and this one's worth up to $16 million, including a player option. For Mathurin, this is a great opportunity to find a consistent role and get some serious playing time. He's shown flashes of brilliance in his young career, and now he'll have a chance to build on that with a team that's looking to make some noise in the Western Conference.
The Pelicans are clearly looking to add some youth and athleticism to their roster, and Mathurin fits the bill. He's a talented scorer who can play both guard spots, and his ability to create for himself and others will be a welcome addition to a team that's been looking for a sparkplug. With this deal, the Pelicans are also showing that they're willing to take on some risk and invest in a player who still has a lot to prove. It's a calculated gamble that could pay off big time if Mathurin reaches his potential.
So what's next for Mathurin and the Pelicans? The real question is how he'll fit in with the team's existing core, particularly Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Will he be able to carve out a significant role and become a key contributor, or will he be more of a bench piece? We'll also be keeping an eye on how the Pelicans' roster shakes out over the rest of the offseason - are there more moves on the horizon, or are they feeling good about their current group? One thing's for sure: Mathurin's got a chance to make some noise in the NBA, and we'll be watching closely.
Originally reported by espn.com. PlayerNews adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.