Pelicans To Waive Christian Koloko

The Pelicans are waiving center Christian Koloko, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link).

Koloko was on a non-guaranteed Exhibit 9 contract with New Orleans, so the team won’t carry his salary on its books after releasing him. The 26-year-old played four minutes in the Pelicans’ preseason loss at Miami on Thursday, and finished with two rebounds, two blocks and a steal.

The Cameroonian big man was selected 33rd overall in the 2022 draft after three college seasons with Arizona. He showed some promise as a rookie with Toronto in 2022/23, but was forced to miss the entire ’23/24 season due to a blood clot issue.

Koloko spent the ’24/25 campaign on a two-way deal with the Lakers, and he bounced around the NBA in ’25/26, suiting up for the Lakers, Grizzlies and Hawks. In 27 total games last season, he averaged 2.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 13.2 minutes per contest.

Despite only technically playing in three separate NBA seasons, Koloko has accumulated four years of service. That means he’s no longer eligible for a two-way contract.

The Pelicans will have one opening on their 21-man preseason roster once the move is official.