Report: Pelicans to waive Stephenson, sign Archie Goodwin

The New Orleans Pelicans will waive the injured Lance Stephenson in order to bring aboard a healthy body in free-agent guard Archie Goodwin, according to The Vertical's Shams Charania.

The development comes following a report that Stephenson will miss a significant amount of time with a groin injury.

The Pelicans will sign the 22-year-old Goodwin to a two-year contract, according to Charania, which is double the length of Stephenson's deal inked back in September. In fact, only $100,000 of Stephenson's contract with New Orleans is reported to be guaranteed.

The Pelicans, like last season, have been ravaged by injuries in the early going. They could still potentially qualify for the NBA's hardship exception, which allows a 16th player on the roster - something they did last year at the earliest point in NBA history, when they added Jimmer Fredette on Nov. 10.

Goodwin was waived by the Phoenix Suns out of training camp last month, and has averaged 6.2 points and 1.2 assists across 150 career NBA games at both guard spots.