The New Orleans Pelicans have added another backcourt option, agreeing to a one-year deal with guard Kobe Bufkin after his strong Summer League performance.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the agreement was finalized Saturday. Bufkin, the No. 15 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, spent his first two NBA seasons with the Atlanta Hawks before appearing in 16 games for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2025-26 campaign. He impressed the Pelicans during Summer League, averaging 21.3 points per game, which helped earn him a roster opportunity.
The signing gives New Orleans a chance to evaluate a former first-round talent who has yet to establish himself at the NBA level. Across three seasons, Bufkin has appeared in 43 regular-season games, averaging 4.2 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 10.2 minutes per contest while shooting 35.4% from the field and 21.2% from three-point range.
His most productive NBA stint came during the 2024-25 season with Atlanta, when he averaged 5.3 points and 1.7 assists in 12.4 minutes over 10 games. After joining the Lakers, his role became more limited, as he averaged 2.9 points in 16 appearances while shooting 30.0% from the floor.
The move comes during a relatively quiet offseason for New Orleans. After finishing 25-56 in 2025-26, the franchise has undergone significant changes in the front office, with Joe Dumars taking over basketball operations and Troy Weaver joining as general manager. However, the roster has remained largely intact outside of depth additions.
