Pelicans Sign Archie Goodwin, Cut Lance Stephenson

NOVEMBER 7:

12:50pm: The Pelicans have announced their deal with Goodwin, signing him using their newly-opened 15th roster spot. Per Scott Kushner of The Advocate (via Twitter), it’ll be a two-year contract that won’t be guaranteed in the second year.

11:49am: The Pelicans have officially waived Stephenson, the team announced today in a press release. A report this morning suggested the team will be open to re-signing him when he gets healthy. Meanwhile, Goodwin’s signing has yet to be confirmed, but it’s expected to happen soon.

NOVEMBER 6:

7:53pm: The Pelicans are finalizing a deal with Goodwin, tweets Shams Charania of The Vertical, and the contract will be for two seasons (Twitter link). Stephenson will be waived to create the roster opening (Twitter link).

7:33pm: The Pelicans have interest in adding former Suns guard Archie Goodwin, tweets Marc Stein of ESPN.com. Stein describes Goodwin, who was waived by Phoenix last month, as a “likely potential signee.”

New Orleans lost Lance Stephenson Saturday night to a groin injury that is expected to require surgery. Doctors project his recovery time at several weeks. The Pelicans are already missing Tyreke Evans and Quincy Pondexter, who both have knee issues, along with Jrue Holiday, who is on a leave of absence to care for his ailing wife.

New Orleans could apply to the league for a hardship waiver to add a 16th player to its roster. A more likely option, tweets Scott Kushner of The Advocate, is simply to waive Stephenson, who only has a $100K guarantee on his minimum-salary contract. However, the Pelicans would be required to pay Stephenson’s full salary until he recovers from the injury.

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