The New Orleans Pelicans have officially released guard Lester Quinones, according to Keith Smith of Spotrac and the NBA’s transaction log.
Quinones had been on a two-way contract, and with his departure, the Pelicans now have one open two-way spot. The other two are currently filled by Trey Alexander and Hunter Dickinson.
Undrafted out of Memphis in 2022, Quinones spent most of his early career with the Golden State Warriors. He later signed a two-way deal with the 76ers last fall but was waived in December.
The 24-year-old joined the Pelicans in March and played nine games late in the 2024–25 season, averaging 8.6 points, 2.6 assists, and 1.7 rebounds in 18.4 minutes per game.
He shot 38.6% from the field, 31.7% from three, and 83.3% from the line.
Although he hasn’t secured a solid NBA role yet, Quinones has posted strong numbers in the G League.
In 41 games last season with Birmingham and Delaware, he averaged 21.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.4 steals, though his shooting and turnovers were inconsistent.
Since Quinones was signed by the Pelicans’ previous front office, the new leadership might not have seen him as a fit. If he goes unclaimed on waivers, he’ll become a free agent soon.
