Markquis Nowell is now on the New Orleans Pelicans roster, effective Friday, Sep. 18. The 26-year-old guard's contract is not yet on file, and New Orleans carries 21 players against cap and tax lines that leave room before either apron.
The move
Markquis Nowell joins the New Orleans Pelicans, moving from free agency onto the roster as of Friday, Sep. 18, according to the club's official roster. No injury report entry preceded the move. Nowell is a 26-year-old guard with one season of NBA experience and had no roster spot before landing with New Orleans.
The money
Nowell's contract is not on file yet; public salary data can lag a signing by a day. New Orleans carries a payroll of $196.5 million across 18 contracts for 2026-27, above the $165.0 million salary cap but below the $200.4 million luxury tax line. The first apron sits at $209.0 million and the second apron at $221.7 million, leaving the Pelicans below both thresholds.
The fit
Nowell has no NBA line from last season. He joins a New Orleans backcourt led by Trey Murphy III (35.5 minutes, 21.5 points last season), Dejounte Murray (27.8 minutes, 16.7 points) and Jeremiah Fears (25.8 minutes, 14.3 points), with Derik Queen (25.0 minutes, 11.7 points) also in the rotation. The Pelicans now carry 21 players on the roster, against a standard limit of 15 plus three two-way spots.
What is Markquis Nowell's contract with the Pelicans?
Not on file yet. Public salary data can lag a signing by a day.
Did an injury report precede this move?
No report is logged ahead of the transaction.
How big is the Pelicans' roster now?
21 players, against a standard limit of 15 plus three two-way spots.