The New Orleans Pelicans are wasting no time reshaping their roster. Less than 24 hours after acquiring Dalen Terry in a trade that sent Jose Alvarado to the Knicks, the Pelicans have placed the 6'6" guard/forward on waivers.
Terry’s arrival in New Orleans was brief - and, frankly, always felt like a transactional pit stop more than a long-term fit. The 18th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Terry came into the league with intriguing tools after two seasons at Arizona, but he’s yet to carve out a consistent role at the NBA level.
During the 2025-26 campaign, he appeared in 34 games with the Bulls, averaging 3.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in just over 11 minutes per game. Those numbers reflect a player still trying to find his place - flashes of potential, but nothing that’s forced teams to commit rotation minutes.
The Pelicans, who received Terry along with two second-round picks in the deal, are clearly prioritizing flexibility. Waiving Terry clears a standard roster spot and leaves them with a dead-money cap hit of just over $5.3 million. That’s not ideal, but it’s the cost of doing business in a league where roster agility can be just as valuable as on-court production.
With that open roster slot, the Pelicans are reportedly planning to promote Bryce McGowens from his two-way deal. McGowens has shown promise in limited action, and this move gives him a chance to prove he can contribute on a more permanent basis. For a team like New Orleans, which is balancing a competitive present with developing young talent, giving McGowens a longer look makes sense.
As for Terry, his NBA journey is far from over. Still just 23 years old, he remains eligible for a two-way contract for the rest of the season - and that could be his best path forward.
While he won’t be able to sign with the Knicks due to trade restrictions, the rest of the league is in play. For teams looking to take a low-risk flyer on a young wing with size, athleticism, and untapped upside, Terry might be worth a look.
The NBA is a league of opportunity, and sometimes it takes a few stops before a player finds the right fit. Terry's tools are still there - now it’s about finding the right system, the right coach, and the right moment.