Hunter Dickinson is now on the New Orleans Pelicans roster, moving from free agency with no prior roster spot. The move was detected Thursday, Oct. 15 through the official roster, with no report having preceded it.
The move
Hunter Dickinson, a 25-year-old center entering his second NBA season, is on the New Orleans Pelicans roster as of Thursday, Oct. 15. He comes from free agency, where he held no roster spot. The move was picked up through the official roster rather than a prior transaction report; no report logged this move in advance, so there is no source or confidence level to cite for the move itself.
The money
Dickinson's contract terms are not on file yet; public salary data can lag a signing by a day. The Pelicans carry a payroll of $204.3 million across 19 contracts for 2026-27, which puts them over the luxury tax. The league 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 fit
Last season Dickinson played five games for 8.5 minutes a night, averaging 2.4 points, 1.0 rebound and 0.4 assists. He joins a Pelicans roster of 21 players, filled out to the standard 15 plus three two-way spots. New Orleans' top-minute frontcourt options last season included Josh Oduro at 27.3 minutes and 8.3 points, and Derik Queen at 25.0 minutes and 11.7 points, alongside Zion Williamson at 29.7 minutes and 21.0 points.
What is Hunter Dickinson's contract with the Pelicans?
Not announced. The contract is not on file yet, and public salary data can lag a signing by a day.
Did a transaction report precede this move?
No report is logged. The move was detected through the official roster on Thursday, Oct. 15.
How much playing time did Dickinson get last season?
He appeared in five games, averaging 8.5 minutes, 2.4 points, 1.0 rebound and 0.4 assists in the 2025-26 season.
Are the Pelicans over the luxury tax?
Yes. Their payroll is $204.3 million across 19 contracts for 2026-27, above the $200.4 million tax line, with a $165.0 million cap, a $209.0 million first apron and a $221.7 million second apron.