The Pelicans announced what Kobe Bufkin and Jalon Moore were rescinded, reducing the team to the regular season cap.
Selected by Atlanta with the 15th overall pick in the 2023 draft, Bufkin hoped to rebuild his career in New Orleans. After two years with the Hawks, the 6-foot-4 guard appeared in 16 games with the Lakers last season after joining the team on a 10-day contract in January. However, he became a free agent again when he was waived shortly before the end of the regular season in April.
Bufkin, 23, has played in 43 NBA games over three seasons. He signed a training camp deal with the Pelicans in July, giving him a chance to compete for a roster spot.
Moore, a 6-foot-7 forward, suffered a torn Achilles shortly before the 2025 draft. He was able to play three games with the New Orleans Summer League team this year and was in camp on an Exhibit 10 deal.
Although Moore is a strong candidate to move to the Laketown Squadron, Bufkin’s contract did not include Exposure 10 languageindicating that he likely won’t be reporting to the Pelicans’ G-League team.
New Orleans is down to 14 players with fully guaranteed contracts Trendon Watford on a partially guaranteed transaction. All three of his two-way slots are filled.
