Pelicans Waive Kobe Bufkin, Jalon Moore

The Pelicans announced that Kobe Bufkin and Jalon Moore have been placed on waivers, bringing the team down to the regular season roster limit.

Selected by Atlanta with the 15th pick in the 2023 draft, Bufkin was hoping to revive his career with New Orleans. After two years with the Hawks, the 6’4″ 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 regular season ended in April.

Bufkin, 23, has played in 43 total NBA games over three seasons. He signed a training camp deal with the Pelicans in July that gave him the chance to compete for a roster spot.

Moore, a 6’7″ forward, suffered a torn Achilles shortly before the 2025 draft. He was able to play three games with New Orleans’ Summer League team this year and was in camp on an Exhibit 10 deal.

Bufkin and Moore could both wind up with the Pelicans’ G League affiliate, the Laketown Squadron, where they could earn a $91K bonus on top of their regular salaries if they spend at least 60 days there.

New Orleans is down to 14 players with fully guaranteed contracts, plus Trendon Watford on a partially guaranteed deal. All three of its two-way slots are filled.