Markquis Nowell is off the New Orleans Pelicans' roster as of Sunday, Sept. 20, following a Sept. 18 report on minor roster moves from Paul Garcia. The 26-year-old guard, who has one season of NBA experience, leaves a Pelicans roster of 20 players carrying $204.3 million in payroll for 2026-27.
The move
Markquis Nowell, a 26-year-old guard with one season of NBA experience, is no longer on the New Orleans Pelicans' roster as of Sunday, Sept. 20, according to the official roster. The move follows a Sept. 18 report from Paul Garcia, titled "Minor Roster Moves: Pelicans, Wolves, Spurs, More," which listed no confidence figure for the move. New Orleans now carries 20 players on its roster, above the standard limit of 15 plus three two-way spots.
The money
Nowell's contract is not on file yet; public salary data can lag a signing or roster move by a day. New Orleans carries a payroll of $204.3 million across 19 contracts for 2026-27, over the luxury tax line. The salary cap is set at $165.0 million, the tax line at $200.4 million, the first apron at $209.0 million and the second apron at $221.7 million. The Pelicans' spending sits above the tax threshold but below both apron levels.
The fit
Nowell has no NBA line from last season. New Orleans' backcourt last season was led by Dejounte Murray, who averaged 27.8 minutes and 16.7 points, and rookie guard Jeremiah Fears, who logged 25.8 minutes and 14.3 points. Trey Murphy III topped the wing rotation at 35.5 minutes and 21.5 points per game. The Pelicans now carry 20 players on the roster, above the standard limit of 15 plus three two-way spots, with Nowell no longer among them.
Why is Nowell no longer on the Pelicans' roster?
The official roster no longer lists him as of Sunday, Sept. 20. The move is not further detailed beyond a Sept. 18 report from Paul Garcia on minor roster moves involving the Pelicans, Wolves, Spurs and other teams.
What is Nowell's new contract worth?
His contract is not on file yet. Public salary data can lag a signing or roster move by a day.
How does this affect the Pelicans' payroll?
New Orleans carries $204.3 million across 19 contracts for 2026-27, above the $200.4 million luxury tax line but below the $209.0 million first apron and $221.7 million second apron.