Sources: Pelicans reach 2-year, $16M deal with Bennedict Mathurin

Bennedict Mathurin has agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, including a player option, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.

Mathurin's representatives approached the LA Clippers about withdrawing his $8.8 million qualifying offer, allowing him to find a more favorable situation in New Orleans with added security.

Mathurin, 24, prioritized flexibility and the earliest path to unrestricted free agency next summer versus longer-term offers with larger total commitments but greater team control.