The New Orleans Pelicans have made another notable roster move, sending Jordan Hawkins, Micah Peavy, a future second-round draft pick, and a future second-round pick swap to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for AJ Johnson and veteran forward Taj Gibson. The deal signals a shift in direction for both franchises, with New Orleans prioritizing financial flexibility while Memphis adds young talent and future assets.
Pelicans Move On From Jordan Hawkins
Jordan Hawkins entered the NBA with high expectations after helping lead UConn to a national championship and establishing himself as one of the most dangerous perimeter shooters in college basketball. However, his time in New Orleans never fully developed as expected.
During the 2025-26 season, Hawkins averaged 5.1 points per game across 51 appearances while seeing just 13.6 minutes per contest. His role diminished significantly compared to the previous season, when he averaged 10.8 points and played 23.6 minutes per game.
Despite showing flashes of his scoring ability, Hawkins found himself buried in a crowded Pelicans backcourt rotation. With limited opportunities to establish consistency, New Orleans ultimately decided to move the former first-round pick while he still carries upside for a team willing to invest in his development.
For Memphis, Hawkins represents a low-risk, high-reward addition. At just 24 years old, he still possesses the shooting stroke and scoring instincts that made him an attractive prospect entering the league.
Memphis Takes a Chance on Upside
The Grizzlies continue to reshape their roster by acquiring Hawkins and rookie wing Micah Peavy while adding two future draft assets.
Hawkins could become a valuable floor-spacing option within Memphis’ offensive system. His ability to shoot from deep and score in transition gives the Grizzlies another young player to develop alongside their established core.
Meanwhile, Micah Peavy quietly impressed during his rookie campaign. The versatile 6-foot-7 wing appeared in 61 games for New Orleans, averaging 4.3 points per game. While his offensive numbers were modest, Peavy showed defensive versatility and energy that could make him a useful rotational player moving forward.
The inclusion of both a future second-round pick and a pick swap adds further value for Memphis, giving the organization additional flexibility for future roster-building decisions.
AJ Johnson Continues a Remarkable NBA Journey
One of the most intriguing aspects of this trade is AJ Johnson’s continued movement around the league.
The 6-foot-5 guard will now join his fifth team in just three NBA seasons. Since being selected by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2024 NBA Draft, Johnson has experienced one of the most unusual early-career journeys in recent memory.
After beginning with Milwaukee, Johnson was traded to the Washington Wizards and later became part of the blockbuster Anthony Davis trade involving Dallas and Washington. He then landed with the Memphis Grizzlies after Dallas moved him in a deal for Santi Aldama.
Now, Johnson heads to New Orleans looking for stability and an opportunity to establish himself within a young Pelicans roster.
Although his development has been impacted by frequent team changes, Johnson remains an intriguing prospect with athleticism, speed, and long-term upside. The Pelicans could provide him with a fresh opportunity to earn meaningful minutes.
Taj Gibson Brings Veteran Leadership
While AJ Johnson is the youthful piece in the deal, Taj Gibson provides the veteran presence.
At 41 years old, Gibson remains one of the NBA’s most respected locker-room leaders. The 17-year veteran appeared in 10 games for Memphis last season and has played for eight different franchises during his lengthy career.
Although Gibson is unlikely to be a major on-court contributor at this stage of his career, his experience and leadership can be valuable for a Pelicans team featuring several young developing players.
His presence could help mentor younger teammates while providing professionalism and stability behind the scenes.
Financial Benefits for New Orleans
Perhaps the most important aspect of this trade from New Orleans’ perspective is the financial relief it creates.
The transaction reportedly saves the Pelicans approximately $5.7 million in salary obligations. For a franchise attempting to maintain roster flexibility while navigating future salary cap considerations, that savings could prove extremely valuable.
The move also became possible after league trade restrictions involving AJ Johnson expired, allowing Memphis to include him in another transaction following his acquisition earlier in the offseason.
Winners and Losers of the Trade
New Orleans Pelicans
Grade: B+
The Pelicans gain financial flexibility, acquire a young developmental guard in AJ Johnson, and add veteran leadership through Taj Gibson. While giving up on Hawkins may seem premature, New Orleans appears to have determined that a larger role was unlikely for him moving forward.
Memphis Grizzlies
Grade: A-
Memphis acquires a former first-round talent in Hawkins, adds a promising rookie wing in Peavy, and receives future draft compensation. If Hawkins finds consistency and confidence in a new environment, the Grizzlies could emerge as the biggest winner of this trade.
This trade may not generate the same headlines as a blockbuster superstar deal, but it could have meaningful implications for both organizations. The Pelicans gain financial flexibility, a developmental prospect, and veteran experience, while the Grizzlies acquire a talented shooter in Jordan Hawkins, a promising young wing in Micah Peavy, and additional draft assets.
For Hawkins, the move represents a fresh start and perhaps his best opportunity yet to revive the promise that made him a first-round selection. For New Orleans, the deal reflects a commitment to roster flexibility and long-term planning.
As both teams continue shaping their futures, this trade could ultimately be remembered as an important step in the development of several young players looking to carve out larger roles in the NBA.
