Hoops Rumors ↗· 26 Aug 2026
Free agency · LAC / NOP
Done deal
Pelicans still eyeing Mathurin sign-and-trade
Jake Fischer, speaking on a Bleacher Report live stream, said Bennedict Mathurin's restricted free agency likely ends one of two ways: a sign-and-trade to New Orleans or accepting the one-year, $8.8MM qualifying offer to stay with the Clippers, a decision he has until October 1 to make.
The Pelicans are his main suitor but sit just $5.8MM below the tax line, so they would need to move salary, with Jordan Hawkins and his $7MM expiring deal the likeliest piece; Fischer expects a Hawkins trade in September.
Milwaukee and Chicago were downplayed, with the Bulls said to have only checked on a buy-low chance. A sign-and-trade would require a contract of at least three years.
Mathurin LAC → NOP✓ Confirmed · 14d later
+ 4 reports from 4 outlets
Hoops Rumors · 26 Aug 2026Pelicans still eyeing Mathurin sign-and-trade
RealGM · 26 Aug 2026Mathurin down to Clippers qualifying offer or Pelicans sign-and-trade
Heavy · 26 Aug 2026Pelicans pushing Clippers for Mathurin sign-and-trade
Fadeaway World · 26 Aug 2026Pelicans said to be chasing Mathurin in sign-and-trade
