The New Orleans Pelicans have announced the termination of their non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 contracts with guard Chase Hunter and center Josh Oduro. This strategic move allows the team flexibility in managing its roster while potentially retaining rights to these players through their G League affiliate. Both athletes are anticipated to continue their professional journeys with the Birmingham Squadron, underscoring the vital role of the G League in player development and team strategy.
Chase Hunter, a 24-year-old guard from Clemson, concluded his collegiate career with impressive statistics in the 2024–25 season. He posted averages of 16.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, showcasing his offensive prowess and all-around court awareness. Hunter was particularly noted for his scoring ability, effective perimeter shooting, and playmaking skills, which included averaging 1.4 steals per game in his final year at Clemson. These attributes made him a valuable prospect, even as he navigates the initial stages of his professional career.
Josh Oduro, an undrafted center from the 2024 class, had a prior engagement with the Pelicans, participating in their Summer League activities before formally signing with the team in October 2024. Following this, he transitioned to the Birmingham Squadron, the Pelicans' G League affiliate. During the 2024–25 G League season, Oduro proved to be a significant contributor, averaging 12.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across 28 games. His performance demonstrated his capability as a versatile big man, excelling in both scoring and rebounding, along with a commendable passing vision for a center.
The Exhibit 10 contracts, under which both Hunter and Oduro were initially signed, offer NBA teams a unique mechanism for roster management. These contracts are non-guaranteed, single-season deals that can be converted into a two-way contract before the start of the regular season. Crucially, they also allow teams to offer a bonus of up to $75,000 to players if they are waived and then sign with the team's G League affiliate. This financial incentive encourages players to stay within the team's developmental system, providing both the team and the player with mutually beneficial opportunities for growth and future integration into the main roster.
The decision to waive Hunter and Oduro, while seemingly a step back for the players, is a common practice in the NBA's intricate roster construction process. It allows the Pelicans to fine-tune their roster ahead of the upcoming season while maintaining a connection with promising talents. By sending them to the Birmingham Squadron, the organization ensures that Hunter and Oduro will continue to develop their skills in a professional environment, under the watchful eye of the Pelicans' coaching and scouting staff. This pathway often serves as a springboard for players to eventually earn a spot on an NBA roster, highlighting the strategic foresight behind such contract decisions.
The New Orleans Pelicans' decision to waive Chase Hunter and Josh Oduro from their non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 contracts signifies a strategic move to optimize their roster composition. Both players, having showcased their talents in collegiate and G League circuits respectively, are now poised to rejoin the Birmingham Squadron. This arrangement allows the Pelicans to continue monitoring their development, with the Exhibit 10 contract providing an avenue for potential future integration and financial incentives for the players within the G League system, ultimately serving the long-term goals of both the athletes and the franchise.
