The New Orleans Pelicans have officially waived guard/forward Lance Stephenson, the team announced on Monday.

The 6-foot-5 swingman was originally signed by the team on Sept. 14, but was waived after sustaining a groin injury that will require surgery, leaving the team with four players unable to suit up and play.

This move will facilitate the signing of Archie Goodwin, who is the middle of negotiating a two-year deal with the Pelicans.

New Orleans hesitated with the move, as they were expecting to receive a hardship exception from the NBA for having less than the required 12 active players coming into a game. The exception would allow the team to add a 16th roster spot and sign a healthy player to a contract.

Jrue Holiday‘s absence because of his family situation did not qualify under the NBA's hardship exception rule, therefore forcing the Pelicans to release Stephenson in midst of his unfortunate injury.

The team reached out to the Brooklynite and told him they will participate in his injury rehabilitation and would be open to re-signing him once he's fully recovered from his injury, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.

Lance Stephenson averaged 9.7 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.3 rebounds in 27 minutes per game through six games this season.