Pelicans Add Forward Christian Shumate on Exhibit 10 Contract
pelicans-add-forward-christian-shumate
The New Orleans Pelicans have signed rookie forward Christian Shumate, according to the NBA’s official transaction log compiled by RealGM.
Shumate, a 6-foot-6 wing, appeared in eight games for Tulsa during the 2020/21 season before completing four collegiate years at McNeese State. Undrafted in June, he entered the market as an unrestricted free agent.
While his college offensive numbers were inconsistent—26.9% from three-point range and 51.2% at the foul line—Shumate earned All-Southland honors in each of his four seasons and claimed the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year award in both 2024 and 2025.
As a senior in 2024/25, he averaged 10.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks across 35 games, logging 27.6 minutes per contest with shooting splits of .623/.309/.423. He helped the Cowboys reach the NCAA tournament for the second consecutive year, highlighted by an opening-round upset of Clemson before a loss to Purdue.
The deal is expected to be an Exhibit 10 contract, which allows New Orleans to waive Shumate before the regular season. If he then spends at least 60 days with the team’s G League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron, he can earn a bonus of up to $85,300.
With Shumate’s signing, the Pelicans’ offseason roster stands at the maximum 21 players.
Source: Hoops Rumors
