Pelicans expected to make another move to fit in Bennedict Mathurin

The Pelicans have reportedly agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal with Bennedict Mathurin. Now they just need to create a roster spot and a little more room below the luxury tax.

That’s exactly the plan, according to NBA insider Shamit Dua of Intheno.net.

Mathurin, 24, is departing the Clippers after being acquired from the Pacers at the February trade deadline. New Orleans is adding him to a mix that includes Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy III under new coach Jamahl Mosley.

As far as the Pelicans go, this is a splashy signing. Mathurin averaged 17.5 points last season and immediately adds toughness, athleticism and an ability to put the ball in the hole. But again, they’ll have to do something before making it official.

Dua reported that the Pelicans are expected to make a small corresponding move to create a roster spot and open room below the luxury tax. He added that Sept. 8 is a date to watch.

For the record, the Pelicans reportedly had been considering Jordan Poole trades, though it may not take anything quite that dramatic to get Mathurin officially on board.

Dua also noted that Mathurin has consistently ranked among the NBA’s best at drawing shooting fouls, landing in the 100th percentile last season, per Cleaning the Glass. That’s another dimension for a team that could certainly use it.

Per the initial report, the second year of Mathurin’s contract includes a player option.