New Orleans Pelicans News

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Taj Gibson • PF • Pelicans

Taj Gibson to be Waived by Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans plan to waive center Taj Gibson after landing him from the Memphis Grizzlies in Tuesday's trade, according to Will Guillory of The Athletic. Guillory reports that New Orleans will still owe Gibson $100,000, while AJ Johnson will remain with the team for a training-camp look. The move helps the Pelicans clear the room needed to finalize Bennedict Mathurin's two-year, $16 million agreement. Gibson, 41, averaged 3.4 points and 2.7 rebounds in 9.7 minutes across 10 games for Memphis last season and has no fantasy appeal. Johnson is the only piece worth tracking here, but a backcourt featuring Dejounte Murray, Mathurin, Jordan Poole, and Jeremiah Fears leaves him fighting for the back of the roster.

13 hours ago

Taj Gibson • PF • Pelicans

Taj Gibson Sent to Pelicans

The Memphis Grizzlies are sending center Taj Gibson and guard/forward AJ Johnson to the New Orleans Pelicans for Jordan Hawkins, Micah Peavy, a future second-round pick, and a future second-round pick swap, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Gibson appears to be salary ballast in the deal, though there is no firm report yet that New Orleans will waive him. The 41-year-old appeared in 10 games for Memphis last season after signing in February, averaging 3.4 points and 2.7 rebounds in 9.7 minutes. He has played more than 1,000 regular-season games across eight franchises, but his recent value has been tied to leadership rather than rotation minutes. Whether he sticks in New Orleans or returns to the open market, Gibson carries no fantasy appeal.

Yesterday

AJ Johnson • SG • Pelicans

AJ Johnson Heads to New Orleans

The Memphis Grizzlies are sending guard/forward AJ Johnson and center Taj Gibson to the New Orleans Pelicans for Jordan Hawkins, Micah Peavy, a future second-round pick, and a future second-round pick swap, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Johnson is already on his fifth organization in three NBA seasons after Milwaukee selected him No. 23 overall in 2024. The 21-year-old guard has yet to find steady NBA footing, averaging 3.3 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists on 32.4 percent shooting across 48 games last season between Washington and Dallas. New Orleans is crowded at guard with Dejounte Murray, Jordan Poole, Jeremiah Fears, and Bennedict Mathurin in the mix, so Johnson profiles as a camp body fighting for the back of the roster. The Pelicans have until the end of October to decide on his 2027-28 rookie-scale option, which may reveal more about his standing than preseason usage.

Yesterday

Jordan Hawkins • SG • Pelicans

Jordan Hawkins Could Fall Out of the Rotation

The New Orleans Pelicans recently signed Bennedict Mathurin to a two-year deal. The new addition is going to significantly impact the Pelicans' rotation this upcoming season. The team will need to figure out how to mix Dejounte Murray, Jeremiah Fears, Jordan Poole, and Mathurin all into a rotation together. Given all the depth the Pelicans have right now, Jordan Hawkins might end up outside the rotation to begin the season. There's not going to be enough playing time for everyone, so somebody needs to be the odd man out. Hawkins already didn't have a ton of fantasy value coming into the season, but he probably won't be worth stashing in most fantasy formats.

Aug 30

Jordan Poole • PG • Pelicans

Jordan Poole Could See Reduced Role

The New Orleans Pelicans recently signed free-agent guard Bennedict Mathurin to a two-year deal. The 24-year-old gets $16 million over two years and a player option in his new deal. The presence of Mathurin is going to significantly impact the rest of the Pelicans' rotation. The team will need to find minutes for Dejounte Murray, Jeremiah Fears, and Jordan Poole to all get playing time with Mathurin in the mix as well. Out of the bunch, Poole is likely going to lose the most playing time with Mathurin joining the team. Poole is coming off a disappointing season where he averaged 13.4 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.0 rebounds across 39 games with the Pelicans this past season. He's probably the most inconsistent player of the bunch, so it wouldn't be shocking to see his minutes take a hit this upcoming season.

Aug 30

Karlo Matković • PF • Pelicans

Karlo Matkovic Goes 8-for-8 in Croatia's Rout of Latvia

New Orleans Pelicans forward/center Karlo Matkovic scored 17 points on 8-for-8 shooting in Croatia's 115-80 win over Latvia on Thursday in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers. The 25-year-old needed just under 17 minutes to finish 7-for-7 inside the arc and 1-for-1 from deep, though he did not record a rebound, steal, or block. Mario Hezonja paced Croatia with 28 points and seven assists. Matkovic averaged 5.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 14.7 minutes across 62 games last season while shooting 60.4 percent from the field and 42.2 percent from three. New Orleans picked up his $2.23 million option in June, but the frontcourt remains crowded with Zion Williamson, Yves Missi, and Derik Queen ahead of him for minutes. The efficiency is useful, but Matkovic stays off fantasy radars unless his Pelicans role grows.

Aug 28

Yves Missi • C • Pelicans

Yves Missi Posts 24 Points, Four Blocks for Cameroon

New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi scored 24 points in Cameroon's 78-62 win over Nigeria on Thursday in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers. The 22-year-old went 9-for-13 from the field and 6-for-8 at the line while adding nine rebounds, two steals, and four blocks in Rades, Tunisia. That free-throw line is worth noting after Missi shot just 55.9 percent at the stripe last season, which remains the biggest drag on his category profile. His NBA role shrank in 2025-26, when he averaged 5.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.5 blocks in 19.7 minutes across 66 games with 14 starts. Jamahl Mosley now inherits a center mix that includes Derik Queen, Karlo Matkovic, and DeAndre Jordan, so Missi still has work to do. New Orleans reportedly turned away trade interest in him, at least keeping his path tied to the Pelicans' in-house competition.

Aug 28

Bennedict Mathurin • SG • Pelicans

Bennedict Mathurin Lands in New Orleans

Guard/forward Bennedict Mathurin has agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans that includes a player option, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Mathurin's representatives approached the Los Angeles Clippers about withdrawing his $8.8 million qualifying offer, giving the 24-year-old more flexibility and a quicker path to unrestricted free agency. He averaged a career-best 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists across 54 games between Indiana and Los Angeles last season, but his 31.5 percent mark from three remains a concern. New Orleans gives him another scoring lane, though Trey Murphy III, Zion Williamson, Jordan Poole, and Jeremiah Fears all need touches. Mathurin's free-throw volume keeps him interesting, but the jumper has to improve for his fantasy ceiling to climb.

Aug 26

Bennedict Mathurin • SG • Pelicans

Pelicans Aggressively Pursuing Bennedict Mathurin

The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly a major player in the sweepstakes for Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Bennedict Mathurin. According to Jake Fischer, Mathurin is expected to be sign-and-traded to the Pelicans or accept the qualifying offer with the Los Angeles Clippers. Fischer made the point that the Pelicans have been aggressively pursuing Mathurin over the offseason. He currently has a one-year, $8.8 million qualifying offer on the table from the Clippers. Mathurin is a restricted free agent, so the Clippers can match any offer sheet that Mathurin gets from other teams. A return to the Clippers seems to make the most sense, but it sounds like the Pelicans are still looking to acquire him.

Aug 25

Dejounte Murray • SG • Pelicans

Dejounte Murray Declares Himself Healthy

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray says he is healthy and ready to show a better version of himself in 2026-27, he told HoopsHype's Cyro Asseo. Murray said his Achilles rehab was mentally harder than his earlier ACL recovery, but his 14-game return last season was not just a late-year cameo. The 29-year-old averaged 16.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.6 steals in 27.8 minutes over that stretch after tearing his right Achilles on Jan. 31, 2025. A full runway puts Murray back in New Orleans' starting backcourt under Jamahl Mosley, which should trim Jeremiah Fears' on-ball ceiling while giving Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, and Derik Queen a steadier table-setter.

Aug 24

Herbert Jones • SF • Pelicans

Herbert Jones Eyes Shooting Bounce-Back

New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones enters 2026-27 as the team's biggest X factor, according to ESPN's season preview. The 2023-24 All-Defensive First Team selection has slipped offensively since that breakout, including 38.3 percent shooting from the field and 30.9 percent from three last season. He still averaged 8.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.6 steals in 28.4 minutes, keeping him useful when defensive stats matter. ESPN noted that a bounce-back year could make Jones a trade-deadline chip for draft compensation. That outcome would be worth tracking, as a move could open extra wing minutes for Saddiq Bey while pushing more creation toward Trey Murphy III.

Aug 17

Trendon Watford • PF • Pelicans

Trendon Watford Lands with Pelicans

Free-agent forward Trendon Watford and the New Orleans Pelicans agreed to a one-year, $2.9 million deal, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The 25-year-old heads to New Orleans after Philadelphia declined his $2.8 million team option for 2026-27. Watford averaged 6.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 16.3 minutes across 53 games with the 76ers last season, including a 20-point, 17-rebound, 10-assist triple-double in November. His passing and frontcourt versatility give the Pelicans useful depth, but Zion Williamson, Herbert Jones, Saddiq Bey, Yves Missi, Derik Queen, Karlo Matkovic, and DeAndre Jordan leave a crowded path to steady minutes. Watford is off fantasy radars unless injuries thin the rotation.

Aug 17

Trey Murphy III • SF • Pelicans

Trey Murphy III Could Draw Midseason Trade Chase

New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Trey Murphy III could become a midseason trade target if the team starts slowly, with Evan Sidery reporting that the Pistons and Pacers may circle back after New Orleans held firm on a high asking price. For fantasy, this is more background noise than a reason to fade him. Murphy broke out last season, averaging 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 3.2 threes, and 1.5 steals while locking in strong nine-category value. A move next to Cade Cunningham in Detroit or Tyrese Haliburton in Indiana could trim some usage, but Murphy's shooting, steals, and clean stat profile should travel. He remains a strong draft target unless the trade chatter turns concrete.

Aug 8

Caleb Houstan • SG • Pelicans

Caleb Houstan Headed to the Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans have signed free-agent guard Caleb Houstan to a one-year contract on Monday. According to Michael Scotto, the two sides have agreed on a one-year deal, but the salary is unknown at the moment. The expectation is that Houstan will compete for one of the final roster spots during camp. He made a minimal impact during his 18 appearances with the Atlanta Hawks this past season. Before that, Houstan played three seasons with the Orlando Magic under new Pelicans head coach Jamahl Mosley. He'll reunite with his former coach and hopefully be able to snag one of the final roster spots. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect Houstan to be relevant this upcoming season.

Aug 3

Christian Koloko • C • Pelicans

Christian Koloko Inks Deal With Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans signed center Christian Koloko to a one-year deal on Tuesday, according to Michael Scotto. Koloko is a former second-round pick of the Toronto Raptors from 2022. He has bounced around to four different teams during his three years at the professional level. He played with three different organizations this past season and made a minimal impact during each stop. He figures to serve as a depth option who likely won't see the court unless a few injuries occur.

Jul 28

Kobe Bufkin • PG • Pelicans

Kobe Bufkin Lands One-Year Camp Deal With Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans have agreed to a one-year deal with guard Kobe Bufkin, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The No. 15 pick in 2023, Bufkin has played 43 NBA games across three seasons with the Hawks and Lakers, but he revived his stock last season, averaging 24.8 points on 41.9 percent from three for the G League's South Bay Lakers before dropping 21.3 per game in Summer League. This is a training camp deal, and he will battle for an open roster spot behind Dejounte Murray and Jeremiah Fears. Bufkin is a deep-dynasty flier, but he must make the team and earn minutes before he holds any redraft value.

Jul 26

Jaron Pierre Jr. • SG • Pelicans

Jaron Pierre Jr. Comes Home on a Pelicans Two-Way Deal

New Orleans Pelicans guard Jaron Pierre Jr. has agreed to a two-way deal with his hometown team, per Marc Stein, the No. 58 pick becoming the first New Orleans native the franchise has ever drafted. Pierre is a proven college scorer: he averaged 17.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists on 37.0 percent shooting from three in his lone SMU season, a year after winning Conference USA Player of the Year with 21.6 points a game at Jacksonville State. The feel-good story aside, a crowded New Orleans backcourt and a two-way tag point him toward the G League's new Laketown Squadron. His lack of an immediate path to NBA minutes keeps him entirely off the fantasy radar for now.

Jul 22

Trey Murphy III • SF • Pelicans | LeBron James • SF

Trey Murphy III's Trade Market Hangs on a Big Domino

New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III remains on the trade block, but the market has quieted. The Athletic's John Hollinger reports that the chatter has cooled and may not pick back up until LeBron James chooses a team and the rest of the dominoes fall. New Orleans, coming off a 26-56 season, is reportedly asking for around three first-round picks. That steep price has kept Detroit, Golden State, and Cleveland interested without getting a deal done. Murphy holds fantasy value wherever he ends up. He posted career highs last season with 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals while shooting 37.9 percent from deep and 88.6 percent from the line. A move into a clear-usage role, such as next to Cade Cunningham in Detroit, could raise his ceiling, while staying in New Orleans keeps him the team's top option. The one caveat is durability, since he has played just 57, 53, and 66 games over the past three seasons. Draft him as a mid-round building block and watch where he lands.

Jul 20

Hunter Dickinson • C • Pelicans

Hunter Dickinson Re-Signs With Pelicans on Two-Way Deal

New Orleans Pelicans center Hunter Dickinson re-signed with the team on a two-way contract, according to Paul Garcia of The Spot Up Shot. The 25-year-old appeared in only five NBA games last season, averaging 2.4 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 0.4 assists. He was far more productive in the G League, where he posted 17.6 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. This two-way deal keeps him in New Orleans' developmental pipeline, but his fantasy ceiling is virtually non-existent. With Derik Queen, Yves Missi, and Karlo Matkovic firmly ahead of him on the depth chart, Dickinson will likely spend most of his time with the Birmingham Squadron. He remains completely off the fantasy radar unless multiple injuries decimate the Pelicans' frontcourt.

Jul 8

Yves Missi • C • Pelicans

Knicks Fail to Pry Yves Missi From Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi remains unavailable in trade talks after the New York Knicks made multiple rejected offers, according to Chris Haynes. New York is searching for center help after Mitchell Robinson agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million deal with the Boston Celtics, but New Orleans views Missi as a vital core piece. The 22-year-old averaged 5.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.5 blocks in 19.7 minutes last season. Staying put keeps Missi's path tied to the Pelicans' frontcourt, where his blocks and offensive boards are more useful than his scoring. He still needs steadier minutes to be more than a specialist.

Jul 3

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