Pelicans waive Christian Koloko, Michael Scotto reports

The New Orleans Pelicans have waived center Christian Koloko, according to an October 9 report from HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto. Scotto attributed the transaction to league sources. Hoops Rumors also reported the move.

Koloko had joined New Orleans on a non-guaranteed Exhibit 9 contract. His departure opens a place on the team’s preseason roster, but the reports reviewed did not identify a replacement signing or announce his next destination.

A short preseason stint ends

The center played four minutes in the Pelicans’ preseason loss at Miami on Thursday, recording two rebounds, two blocks and one steal, according to Hoops Rumors. That appearance was a small preseason sample and does not establish what role he might have earned had he stayed.

Koloko was selected 33rd overall in the 2022 draft after playing at Arizona. He began his NBA career in Toronto, then spent time with the Lakers, Grizzlies and Hawks. Hoops Rumors reported averages of 2.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 13.2 minutes over 27 NBA games last season.

For New Orleans, the immediate confirmed development in the reporting is a roster opening. It does not by itself explain the team’s plans for that space. For Koloko, any subsequent signing should be treated as a separate transaction and verified before being described as a next step.

This story is based on attributed reporting rather than a Pelicans announcement reviewed by WhyNBA. No new contract, waiver claim or landing spot is being reported here.

The New Orleans Pelicans have waived Christian Koloko, league sources told @hoopshype.

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) October 9, 2026

Checked October 10, 2026. Sources: Michael Scotto and Hoops Rumors.