The New Orleans Pelicans have waived center Christian Koloko, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Koloko signed a one-year contract with New Orleans in July and was expected to compete for a roster spot during training camp. The move ends his latest opportunity to establish himself with an NBA team after spending time with multiple franchises over the past four seasons.
The 26-year-old center appeared in 27 NBA games during the 2025-26 season, playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies and Atlanta Hawks. He averaged 2.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 13.2 minutes per game, making four starts.
Koloko had his most productive stretch with Memphis, averaging 4.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 17.7 minutes across 11 appearances. He finished the season with Atlanta, recording 3.1 points and 2.6 rebounds in 14 games.
Toronto selected Koloko with the 33rd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. He appeared in 58 games as a rookie, averaging 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 block while starting 19 times.
His career was interrupted when he missed the entire 2023-24 season because of illness. He returned to the NBA with the Lakers in 2024-25, appearing in 37 games and shooting 60.6% from the field.
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Across his three NBA seasons, Koloko has played 122 regular-season games, averaging 2.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 0.8 blocks.
New Orleans signed Koloko as a non-guaranteed option while evaluating its roster for the 2026-27 season.
