Pelicans Send Jordan Hawkins to Memphis in Multi-Player NBA Trade

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The New Orleans Pelicans are sending former first-round draft pick Jordan Hawkins and Micah Peavy to the Memphis Grizzlies in return for AJ Johnson and Taj Gibson, according to a person with knowledge of the deal who spoke Tuesday. The source, who shared details with The Associated Press under the condition of anonymity since neither team had made a formal announcement, confirmed that future second-round draft picks were also exchanged between the two clubs. Hawkins, known as a perimeter shooter and slasher who came out of UConn, was taken 14th overall in the 2023 draft. He was brought in under previous basketball operations chief David Griffin, who was later replaced by Joe Dumars in a leadership overhaul. Since breaking into the league, Hawkins has had difficulty carving out a consistent role in New Orleans, putting up an average of 8 points over 18.2 minutes per game across his first three professional seasons. Johnson was the 23rd pick in the 2024 draft, selected by Milwaukee, and has since seen time with Washington and Dallas as well. Over his first two seasons, he has averaged 4.9 points in 14.2 minutes per game. Gibson brings 17 years of professional experience to the table, having averaged 8.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game over the course of his career. Because his most recent contract was not fully guaranteed, the Pelicans have the option to release him and free up nearly $3.8 million in space under the NBA's salary cap. Peavy, who was a second-round selection in 2026, showed early potential as a defender during his rookie year, averaging 4.3 points in 15 minutes per game.