The Pelicans have officially released Lance Thomas, the team announced today in a press release. Thomas had been on a non-guaranteed minimum-salary contract with New Orleans.
Thomas, 25, has appeared in 101 games for New Orleans over the last two seasons, including 59 in 2012/13. The 6'8" forward wasn't owed any guaranteed money yet for the coming season, so the Pelicans won't take a cap hit for releasing him. His contract would have become fully guaranteed if he had not been waived on or before September 1st.
For the Pelicans, waiving Thomas looks like a cap-clearing move, as the team prepares to make its deals for Tyreke Evans and others official.