Official waiver in New Orleans
The New Orleans Pelicans have waived center Aziz Bandaogo, effective September 16, leaving him without an NBA team after a sign-and-waive transaction that confirms his exit from the franchise. The move fits the usual preseason routine for players tied to G League affiliate Laketown Squadron.
The transaction appears in NBA.com oficial and was reported by Hoops Rumors, which places the cut in the September 16 transaction log after the player prior signing.
Bandaogo profile
Bandaogo, a 7-foot center and 25-year-old, played five collegiate seasons from 2020 through 2025, with his final two years at Cincinnati. Last season he appeared in 28 games for Büyükçekmece in Turkey, averaging 7.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 18.4 minutes. He also played three games for the Toronto Raptors 2026 Summer League team, contributing six points, eight rebounds and six blocks in 19.9 total minutes.
Hoops Rumors points to an Exhibit 10 deal that fits the dynamic the Pelicans have repeated with players earmarked for development in Laketown, the affiliate now based in Kenner, Louisiana, for the 2026-27 campaign.
What the waiver means
By leaving the main roster, Bandaogo no longer occupies a training-camp spot and becomes a free agent until his next step within the Pelicans ecosystem is defined. The most likely scenario leads to the Laketown Squadron, which recently acquired his G League rights.
If he eventually joins the affiliate and spends at least 60 days in the G League, he could earn an Exhibit 10 bonus worth up to $91,000. For New Orleans, the cut frees a roster spot as the team continues adjusting its preseason list.
Roster context
The move adds to the wave of September waivers the Pelicans have executed with non-guaranteed profiles designed to secure rights in Laketown rather than lock roster spots on the main NBA team. Bandaogo still leaves open the door to continue his development with the affiliate before training camp begins.
