Christian Koloko is off the New Orleans Pelicans' roster as of Monday, Oct. 12. The move follows a Friday, Oct. 9 report from Michael Scotto that the Pelicans planned to waive him, which carried 47 percent confidence.
The move
Christian Koloko is off the New Orleans Pelicans' roster, according to the team's official roster as checked Monday, Oct. 12. The 26-year-old center has four seasons of NBA experience. His departure follows a report from reporter Michael Scotto on Friday, Oct. 9, headlined "Pelicans To Waive Christian Koloko," which carried a confidence level of 47 percent at the time it was filed. No new club is listed for him; he is simply no longer on New Orleans' roster.
The money
Koloko's contract shows a $2.6 million cap hit for 2026-27, with no further years on file. New Orleans carries a payroll of $204.3 million across 19 contracts for 2026-27, which puts the team over the luxury tax line. The league's cap for 2026-27 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 sit above the tax threshold but below both aprons with their current payroll figure.
The fit
In his last season with New Orleans, Koloko appeared in 27 games, averaging 13.2 minutes, 2.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 0.7 assists. The Pelicans' top-minute players from that season were Trey Murphy III (35.5 minutes, 21.5 points), Saddiq Bey (31.2 minutes, 17.7 points), Zion Williamson (29.7 minutes, 21.0 points), Herbert Jones (28.4 minutes, 8.9 points), Dejounte Murray (27.8 minutes, 16.7 points), Josh Oduro (27.3 minutes, 8.3 points), Jeremiah Fears (25.8 minutes, 14.3 points) and Derik Queen (25.0 minutes, 11.7 points). New Orleans now carries 21 players on its roster, against a standard limit of 15 plus three two-way spots.
Why is Christian Koloko off the Pelicans' roster?
The team's official roster no longer lists him as of Monday, Oct. 12. A report from Michael Scotto on Friday, Oct. 9, titled "Pelicans To Waive Christian Koloko," had carried 47 percent confidence.
What was Koloko's contract?
His deal was on file for $2.6 million in 2026-27, with no further years listed.
Where do the Pelicans stand against the salary cap?
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; the cap is $165.0 million.
How many players are on the Pelicans' roster now?
21, against a standard limit of 15 plus three two-way spots.