Shams: Pelicans lock in Maturin for 1 year, $16 million, with a player option for the second year.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania on Wednesday, Benedict Maturin has agreed to join the New Orleans Pelicans. The two sides are expected to sign a two-year, $16 million contract, with a player option for the second season.

Before joining the Pelicans, Maturin negotiated with the Clippers, ultimately persuading the latter to withdraw their $8.8 million qualifying offer. The Clippers had no intention of discussing a sign-and-trade with the Pelicans, instead choosing to have Maturin settle in New Orleans as a free agent.

Shams further pointed out that Maturin received multiple offers during the offseason. However, compared to a longer contract with a higher total amount but greater team control, he values the flexibility of the contract and the opportunity to become a free agent again next summer.

As the 6th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, Matulin began his professional career with the Indiana Pacers. He played three and a half seasons with the Pacers, appearing in 237 regular season games, averaging 16.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 28.7 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of 44.4% and a three-point percentage of 34.7%.

In February of this year, Matulin was sent to the Los Angeles Clippers in a trade involving Ivica Zubac. To date, he has played 26 regular season games for the Clippers, averaging 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steals in 28.0 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of 42.6%.

For the Pelicans, Matulin's arrival will effectively strengthen the team's wing capabilities. They have been pursuing Matulin for over a year and see him as a crucial cornerstone of their future core roster.

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