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Pelicans Waive Christian Shumate

October 18th, 2025 at 11:34am CST by Luke Adams

Camp invitee Christian Shumate has been waived by the Pelicans, the team announced today (Twitter link).

Shumate went undrafted this June after spending his final four college seasons at McNeese State. While the 6’6″ forward made just 26.9% of his three-pointers and 51.2% on free throws over the course of his college career, he was an All-Southland selection in each of his four years with the Cowboys and won the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year award in both 2024 and 2025.

In 35 games as a senior last season, Shumate averaged 10.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 27.6 minutes per contest, with a shooting line of .623/.309/.423. He helped the Cowboys reach the NCAA tournament for the second straight year — they upset Clemson in the first round before falling to Purdue.

Shumate made three appearances during the preseason for the Pelicans, averaging 4.0 PPG and 2.3 RPG in 6.1 MPG. His next step will likely be the Birmingham Squadron, New Orleans’ G League affiliate. He’ll earn a $50K bonus on top of his base G League salary if he spends at least 60 days with the Squadron.

The Pelicans now have 18 players under contract — 14 on guaranteed deals, Jaden Springer on an Exhibit 9 agreement, and three on two-way contracts.

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Pelicans Pick Up 2026/27 Options On Hawkins, Missi

October 18th, 2025 at 8:01am CST by Dana Gauruder

The Pelicans have picked up their fourth-year option on Jordan Hawkins and their third-year option on Yves Missi, Spotrac contributor Keith Smith tweets. The duo now have their rookie scale contracts guaranteed through the 2026/27 season.

Hawkins, the 14th overall pick of the 2023 draft out of UConn, will make $7,021,895 in ’26/27, while Missi, who was selected with the No. 21 pick out of Baylor last year, will pull in $3,512,760.

Hawkins missed some time due to back pain last season but wound up appearing in 56 games, including nine starts. He averaged 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 23.6 minutes per contest. Prized for his shooting prowess, he only made 37.1% of his overall attempts and 33.1% of his three-point tries. He’s projected to back up Trey Murphy III at the shooting guard spot this season.

Missi was one of the league’s top rookies last season. He appeared in 73 games, including 67 starts, and averaged 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.3 blocks in 26.8 minutes per night. He’s expected to retain his starting center spot to open this season with veteran newcomer Kevon Looney injured.

We’re tracking all of the 2026/27 rookie scale option decisions right here. They’re due by October 31.

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Warriors, Lakers Top 2025 NBA Franchise Valuations

October 16th, 2025 at 8:48am CST by Luke Adams

The Warriors are still the NBA’s most valuable team, according to Kurt Badenhausen of Sportico, who unveiled the website’s updated NBA franchise valuations for 2025 on Thursday.

Badenhausen projects the Warriors’ value at $11.33 billion, which represents an incredible 24% increase from last year’s $9.14 billion valuation. The NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, at $12.8 billion, continue to be the only global sports franchise whose valuation comes in higher than Golden State’s, according to Sportico’s projections.

As Badenhausen outlines, the Warriors lead the NBA in revenue by a significant margin, having generated an estimated $833MM last season. Golden State makes more than $5MM per game in ticket revenue, along with $2.5MM from luxury suites; the club also has a $45MM per year jersey patch deal with Rakuten, earns almost double what any other team makes in sponsorship revenue, and is one of the few teams to fully own and operate its arena, per Sportico.

After placing third a year ago, the Lakers have jumped to second place on Sportico’s 2025 list at $10 billion, based on Mark Walter‘s recent agreement to purchase the team at that valuation. The Lakers moved slightly ahead of the third-place Knicks, who come in at $9.85 billion.

Every team’s valuation has increased by at least 9% since last year, per Sportico, with the average value of an NBA franchise now at $5.51 billion (up 20% from 2024) and no team worth less than $4 billion.

The average valuation has more than doubled since 2022, when it was $2.58 billion. As Badenhausen writes, the NBA’s new $76 billion media rights deal and its global ambitions – including the possible creation of a league in Europe – have played a part in those gains.

Although the Warriors’ $833MM is something out of an outlier, NBA teams generated an average of approximately $408MM in revenue last season, according to Badenhausen, with the Grizzlies coming in last at $301MM. Memphis also ranks 30th on Sportico’s list of franchise values.

Despite placing at the bottom of this list, the Grizzlies actually had the most significant increase in their franchise valuation this past year, rising from $3.06 billion to $4 billion (31%). The Pelicans (30%), Timberwolves (29%), and Eastern Conference champion Pacers (27%) were the other biggest risers.

Of course, it’s worth noting that figures from Sportico or any other media outlet are just estimates and often don’t quite match up with the sale prices for franchises that change hands. But these projections are usually in the right ballpark and remain useful for getting a sense of the league’s most and least valuable teams.

Here’s Sportico’s full list of NBA franchise valuations for 2025:

  1. Golden State Warriors: $11.33 billion
  2. Los Angeles Lakers: $10 billion
  3. New York Knicks: $9.85 billion
  4. Los Angeles Clippers: $6.72 billion
  5. Boston Celtics: $6.35 billion
  6. Brooklyn Nets: $6.22 billion
  7. Chicago Bulls: $6.12 billion
  8. Miami Heat: $6.03 billion
  9. Philadelphia 76ers: $5.61 billion
  10. Houston Rockets: $5.53 billion
  11. Dallas Mavericks: $5.24 billion
  12. Toronto Raptors: $5.22 billion
  13. Phoenix Suns: $5.09 billion
  14. Atlanta Hawks: $5.02 billion
  15. Sacramento Kings: $5 billion
  16. Cleveland Cavaliers: $4.86 billion
  17. Denver Nuggets: $4.8 billion
  18. Washington Wizards: $4.78 billion
  19. Indiana Pacers: $4.76 billion
  20. Milwaukee Bucks: $4.54 billion
  21. San Antonio Spurs: $4.5 billion
  22. Oklahoma City Thunder: $4.34 billion
  23. Utah Jazz: $4.27 billion
  24. Portland Trail Blazers: $4.25 billion
  25. Minnesota Timberwolves: $4.24 billion
  26. Orlando Magic: $4.21 billion
  27. Detroit Pistons: $4.17 billion
  28. Charlotte Hornets: $4.13 billion
  29. New Orleans Pelicans: $4.02 billion
  30. Memphis Grizzlies: $4 billion

As Badenhausen notes, Sportico’s projections are based on a control sale price, rather than limited stake purchases. Controlling shares in the Celtics, Lakers, and Trail Blazers all changed hands this past year, though only the Celtics sale has been formally approved by the NBA so far.

William Chisholm is buying the Celtics in two stages, with an initial valuation of $6.1 billion and a blended valuation of roughly $6.5 billion. Walter is purchasing the Lakers at a valuation of $10 billion, while Tom Dundon is buying the Blazers at a $4.25 billion valuation.

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Kevon Looney Out At Least Two Weeks

October 15th, 2025 at 5:29pm CST by Eli Cohen

Kevon Looney, the Pelicans‘ projected starting center, will be out for at least two or three weeks, the team announced (via Twitter).

According to the Pelicans, Looney was diagnosed with a proximal tibiofibular ligament sprain in his left knee, an injury sustained during the team’s October 5 contest against South East Melbourne. He’ll be reevaluated in two-to-three weeks, with further updates provided as appropriate, per the team.

Looney signed a two-year deal with the Pelicans after spending the first 10 seasons of his career with the Warriors, with whom he won two championships. He holds career averages of 5.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.

Looney was brought in by New Orleans to add veteran experience to the frontcourt depth chart alongside second-year center Yves Missi and rookie Derik Queen, the latter of whom is recovering from wrist surgery that kept him out for the entirety of the Pelicans’ preseason.

Given New Orleans’ suddenly shallow depth chart up front, second-year big man Karlo Matkovic could be in line for an increased role early in the season. He played 42 games for the Pelicans last season and averaged 7.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 18.8 minutes per night.

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2025/26 NBA Over/Unders: Southwest Division

October 15th, 2025 at 1:48pm CST by Luke Adams

With the 2025/26 NBA regular season just around the corner, we’re getting serious about predictions for the upcoming campaign and continuing an annual Hoops Rumors tradition.

With the help of the lines from a series of sports betting sites – including BetMGM and BetOnline – we’re running through the predicted win totals for each of the NBA’s 30 teams, by division. In a series of team-by-team polls, you’ll get the chance to weigh in on whether you think those forecasts are too optimistic or too pessimistic.

In 2024/25, our voters went 13-17 on their over/under picks. Can we top that in ’25/26?

We’ll wrap up our series today with the Southwest Division…

Houston Rockets

San Antonio Spurs

Dallas Mavericks

Memphis Grizzlies

New Orleans Pelicans

Previous voting results:

Atlantic

  • New York Knicks (53.5 wins): Over (63.2%)
  • Boston Celtics (42.5 wins): Over (52.7%)
  • Philadelphia 76ers (42.5 wins): Under (58.7%)
  • Toronto Raptors (37.5 wins): Over (50.2%)
  • Brooklyn Nets (20.5 wins): Over (54.4%)

Central

  • Cleveland Cavaliers (56.5 wins): Over (58.0%)
  • Detroit Pistons (46.5 wins): Over (60.5%)
  • Milwaukee Bucks (42.5 wins): Over (74.4%)
  • Indiana Pacers (37.5 wins): Over (50.1%)
  • Chicago Bulls (32.5 wins): Over (60.8%)

Southeast

  • Orlando Magic (51.5 wins): Over (52.8%)
  • Atlanta Hawks (47.5 wins): Over (54.9%)
  • Miami Heat (37.5 wins): Over (54.4%)
  • Charlotte Hornets (27.5 wins): Over (50.6%)
  • Washington Wizards (21.5 wins): Under (62.4%)

Northwest

  • Oklahoma City Thunder (62.5 wins): Over (62.9%)
  • Denver Nuggets (53.5 wins): Over (72.1%)
  • Minnesota Timberwolves (49.5 wins): Over (58.7%)
  • Portland Trail Blazers (34.5 wins): Over (57.1%)
  • Utah Jazz (18.5 wins): Over (55.3%)

Pacific

  • Los Angeles Clippers (48.5 wins): Under (58.7%)
  • Los Angeles Lakers (48.5 wins): Under (52.1%)
  • Golden State Warriors (46.5 wins): Over (68.3%)
  • Sacramento Kings (34.5 wins): Over (55.1%)
  • Phoenix Suns (31.5 wins): Under (56.8%)
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Pelicans Sign, Waive Chase Hunter, Josh Oduro

October 13th, 2025 at 9:34pm CST by Dana Gauruder

October 13: Both Hunter and Oduro have been released, per NBA.com’s transactions log.

October 9: The Pelicans have signed Chase Hunter and Josh Oduro to Exhibit 10 contracts, Spotrac contributor Keith Smith tweets.

New Orleans’ intent to sign Hunter, an undrafted rookie guard, was reported just after this year’s draft.

Hunter had a lengthy college career with Clemson, which spanned six years from 2019-25. He was awarded a medical redshirt after a foot injury limited him to nine appearances in his freshman year, then was granted another extra year of extra eligibility due to COVID-19.

Hunter ended up appearing in 167 games across those six years, making 123 starts. As a super-senior in 2024/25, he averaged a career-best 16.5 points per game on .470/.407/.866 shooting while also contributing 3.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.4 steals in 33.5 minutes per contest. Hunter earned first-team All-ACC honors this year and left Clemson as the school’s third all-time leading scorer.

Oduro was signed and waived by the Pelicans during last season’s training camp. The 6’9” forward, who went undrafted in 2024, played four collegiate seasons at George Mason before transferring to Providence for his final year. He averaged 12.9 points and 6.6 rebounds across 148 college games (128 starts).

Oduro played 44 games last season for the Birmingham Squadron, the Pelicans’ G League affiliate, averaging 11.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 blocks in 29.4 minutes per game.

Both players are likely to be waived and join the Squadron. They’ll be eligible for bonuses worth up to $85,300 if they stay with that club for at least 60 days.

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Pelicans Sign, Waive D.J. Carton, Trhae Mitchell

October 8th, 2025 at 7:00pm CST by Dana Gauruder

7:00 pm: The Pelicans have waived both Carton and Mitchell, per NBA.com’s official transaction log, putting them on track to join the Squadron.

9:17 am: The Pelicans have signed D.J. Carton and Trhae Mitchell to Exhibit 10 contracts, Spotrac contributor Keith Smith tweets.

New Orleans had two openings on its training camp roster after waiving a pair of players earlier in the week.

Carton, who was on Portland’s Summer League roster in July, opened last season with the Raptors on a two-way contract, but was waived in December.

Across parts of two seasons with the Raptors, Carton appeared in eight NBA games, logging just 69 total minutes. The 6’3″ guard has compiled 14 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals with a .267/.143/.833 shooting line during his limited NBA minutes.

Carton appeared in 22 G League contests with the Raptors 905 and the San Diego Clippers last season, averaging 13.5 points and 5.0 assists in 29.6 minutes per game.

Mitchell was on New Orleans’ camp roster last season. He appeared in 50 games for the Birmingham Squadron, the Pelicans’ G League affiliate, after being waived by the NBA club and averaged 7.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 27.8 minutes per contest.

Both players will likely be waived and join the Squadron. They’ll be eligible for bonuses worth up to $85,300 if they stay with that club for at least 60 days.

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Pelicans Cut Garrison Brooks, Jalen McDaniels

October 6th, 2025 at 5:49pm CST by Alex Kirschenbaum

The Pelicans have cut Exhibit 10 training camp signings Garrison Brooks and Jalen McDaniels, the team announced today (Twitter link).

Both forwards are now likely to link up with the Pelicans’ G League club, the Birmingham Squadron. If Brooks and McDaniels remain with Birmingham for at least 60 days, each player will be eligible for a bonus worth up to $85,300 on top of his standard NBAGL salary.

The 26-year-old Brooks went undrafted out of Mississippi State in 2022. He suited up for the Westchester Knicks of the G League during his first pro season, but otherwise has been playing abroad in Korea and Lithuania.

McDaniels, 27, logged three-and-a-half pro seasons with the Hornets. The older brother of All-Defensive Timberwolves wing Jaden McDaniels was the No. 52 pick in the 2019 draft and has since been rostered with Philadelphia, Toronto, Sacramento, San Antonio and Washington, though following his Charlotte exit, he only saw NBA minutes with the Sixers, Raptors and Wizards.

Across 252 career NBA regular season games games, the San Diego State alum boasts averages of 6.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists per contest, with a shooting line of .449/.322/.777.

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And-Ones: All-Star Game, Australia, A. Antetokounmpo, More

October 6th, 2025 at 3:02pm CST by Luke Adams

Regardless of the findings of the NBA’s investigation into the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard for potential salary cap circumvention, the 2026 All-Star Game won’t be relocated away from Intuit Dome, commissioner Adam Silver confirmed on Monday.

There had been some speculation that taking this season’s All-Star Game away from the Clippers could be one form of punishment for the franchise if the league determines it circumvented the cap by paying Leonard extra money via a no-show endorsement deal. However, there’s no guarantee the investigation will wrap up by mid-February, and even if it does, the All-Star Game won’t be affected, as Brian Mahoney of The Associated Press relays.

“There’s no contemplation of moving the All-Star Game,” Silver said. “Planning for the All-Star Game and the surrounding activities are operating completely independently of the ongoing investigation.”

We have more odds and ends from around the basketball world:

  • Olgun Uluc of ESPN shares his takeaways from the Pelicans‘ two exhibition games in Melbourne over the weekend, noting that projected 2026 first-rounder Dash Daniels (Dyson Daniels‘ younger brother) held his own against NBA competition and that NBL owner Larry Kestelman expects the NBA to return to Australia based on the success of this trip.
  • Alex Antetokounmpo, younger brother of Giannis Antetokounmpo, is expected to part ways with the Greek team Aris Thessaloniki and sign a G League contract, according to Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops. The 24-year-old forward has never appeared in an NBA regular season game, but previously signed Exhibit 10 contracts with the Raptors (2021) and the Bucks (2022 and 2023) prior to playing for those teams’ NBAGL affiliates.
  • The Athletic’s NBA beat writers pose one burning question facing each of the NBA’s 30 teams, including who will step up in the Celtics‘ frontcourt, whether or not the Magic have enough three-point shooting, and whether the Grizzlies can count on Ja Morant.
  • In a pair of stories for ESPN, Tim Bontemps identifies 10 names that could define the 2025/26 NBA season, while Bobby Marks previews trade season for 14 teams well positioned to be active in the coming months.
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Southwest Notes: Zion, Bey, Alvarado, DSJ, Spurs

October 5th, 2025 at 11:09am CST by Luke Adams

Zion Williamson was limited to just 30 games last season for health reasons, while Trey Murphy‘s year came to an early end due to shoulder surgery. So it was a very encouraging sign for the Pelicans that Williamson (15 points) and Murphy (18 points) were their leading scorers in their preseason opener. New Orleans became the first NBA team to play a game in Australia, winning an exhibition contest over Melbourne United on Friday.

“It was electric,” Pelicans head coach Willie Green said, per Rod Walker of NOLA.com. “The fans were in tune. They were engaged. It was a really great platform to come here and play high-level competition.”

Green lauded Williamson for his defensive activity after he picked up a pair of steals on Friday. That effort on the defensive end was on display again on Sunday as the Pelicans won their matchup against the South East Melbourne Phoenix. Williamson scored just eight points, but racked up nine rebounds (eight defensive), three steals, and two blocks in 15 minutes of action en route to a 127-92 win.

As good as Williamson was, it was new Pelican Saddiq Bey who stole the show in Sunday’s victory. Bey, who hasn’t played a regular season game since March 2024 due to an ACL tear, had 21 points in 21 minutes, knocking down four three-pointers and registering a game-high +27 plus-minus mark.

“I am just grateful to be out here,” Bey said in a post-game interview, according to Walker. “The opportunity to play in Australia is is a blessing.”

Here’s more from around the Southwest:

  • Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado departed Sunday’s game in the third quarter due to an apparent right leg injury, Walker notes. Green said after the game that Alvarado will be reevaluated when the team returns home to New Orleans.
  • Within an extensive breakdown of takeaways from the Mavericks‘ training camp, Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal writes that head coach Jason Kidd praised Dennis Smith Jr. as a camp standout, lauding his “energy.” Smith is on a non-guaranteed contract and has an uphill battle to earn a regular season roster spot, but it sounds like he’s doing all he can to make his case.
  • After spending most of last season in the role of “acting” Spurs head coach, Mitch Johnson has the permanent title heading into 2025/26. Running a training camp for the first time, he has made an effort to implement his own style while carrying over many of the lessons he learned from longtime San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich, as Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News details (subscription required). “(Last season) we were all just trying to maintain what was already going on, the things we put in during training camp, the principles we had,” veteran forward Harrison Barnes said. “Coming into this year, there’s just building blocks that will be different that (Johnson) can say, ‘OK look, I have full ownership of the things that are going on.'”
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