Kuminga joins Timberwolves, Mathurin lands with Pelicans, in free agency moves

Bennedict Mathurin has agreed to a two-year, $16 million contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, including a player option on the second season, sources told ESPN on Wednesday. The New York Times’ The Athletic confirmed the deal, noting Mathurin finished last season with the LA Clippers before landing with the Pelicans. Jonathan Kuminga reached agreement on a two-year, $12.4 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves, also carrying a player option, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Mathurin’s road from Indiana to New Orleans

Mathurin’s arrival in New Orleans caps a turbulent stretch that began with the Indiana Pacers trading him to the LA Clippers at the February 2026 deadline, a deal in which Indiana received Ivica Zubac in return. The Pacers and Mathurin had not reached agreement on a contract extension before that season, setting him up to become a free agent on July 1. He averaged 17.6 points last season across his stops with both franchises.

To clear the path for the Pelicans deal, the Clippers were expected to withdraw their qualifying offer to Mathurin. That move effectively turned him from a restricted free agent into an unrestricted one, allowing him to sign in New Orleans.

Kuminga picks Minnesota over a bigger Lakers offer

Kuminga’s path to Minnesota was equally winding. He had demanded a trade away from the Golden State Warriors in January 2026, and Golden State subsequently dealt him alongside Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks for Kristaps Porziņģis, an agreement reached February 4 and finalized the following day. Kuminga later split from the Hawks before agreeing to terms with Minnesota.

Kuminga reportedly chose the Timberwolves over a more lucrative offer from the Los Angeles Lakers. Minnesota had been searching for a power forward after losing Julius Randle and Naz in free agency, and Kuminga’s two-year deal filled that hole on the roster.