Caleb Houstan is off the New Orleans Pelicans roster as of Tuesday, Oct. 13. A Monday, Oct. 12 report from hoopsrumors had said the Pelicans waived him, at 45 percent confidence.
The move
Caleb Houstan is off the New Orleans Pelicans roster as of Tuesday, Oct. 13, confirmed by the team's official roster. The move follows a report from hoopsrumors on Monday, Oct. 12, headlined "Pelicans Waive Caleb Houstan; Mavericks Sign Matt Cross," carrying a 45 percent confidence rating. Houstan, a 23-year-old guard in his fourth season, is no longer listed among New Orleans' active contracts.
The money
Houstan carried a $2.6 million cap hit for 2026-27, the only year on file for him. New Orleans' payroll stands at $204.3 million across 19 contracts for 2026-27, above the luxury tax line. The league cap is set at $165.0 million, the tax threshold at $200.4 million, the first apron at $209.0 million and the second apron at $221.7 million. The Pelicans remain a taxpaying team even with Houstan's salary coming off the books.
The fit
Houstan averaged 2.3 points, 0.6 rebounds and 0.2 assists in 4.2 minutes across 18 games last season, a reserve role buried on the depth chart. New Orleans' backcourt minutes last season went to Dejounte Murray at 27.8 minutes and 16.7 points and Jeremiah Fears at 25.8 minutes and 14.3 points, with Trey Murphy III logging 35.5 minutes and 21.5 points on the wing. The Pelicans still carry 20 players on the roster, five over the standard 15-man limit, counting three two-way deals.
Was Caleb Houstan traded or waived?
It is not announced as a trade. A Monday, Oct. 12 report from hoopsrumors said the Pelicans waived him, at 45 percent confidence, and he is now off the official roster.
What is Caleb Houstan's position and experience?
He is a guard entering his fourth NBA season at age 23.
How much cap room does this move involve?
His 2026-27 cap hit was $2.6 million. Contract terms beyond that season are not on file.