Archive · 9 Sep 2026
Pelicans Trade Jordan Hawkins to Grizzlies for Mathurin Cap Space
The New Orleans Pelicans traded Jordan Hawkins and Micah Peavy to the Memphis Grizzlies.
They also sent Memphis a future second-round pick and a future pick swap.
In return, New Orleans received AJ Johnson and Taj Gibson.
The Pelicans mainly made the trade to create room for a contract with Bennedict Mathurin.
Mathurin is expected to provide scoring from the bench and could stay with the team for a long time.
Hawkins had fewer minutes last season because New Orleans had many guards.
Memphis gets two young players to evaluate and extra future draft assets.
Taj Gibson gives New Orleans an experienced big man who could be waived if he is not needed.
New Orleans traded Jordan Hawkins, Micah Peavy, and two future second-round assets to Memphis.
The Pelicans received guard AJ Johnson and veteran forward Taj Gibson.
The deal clears a roster spot and salary-cap room for Bennedict Mathurin’s two-year, $16 million contract.
Hawkins averaged 5.1 points in 51 games last season after losing playing time in New Orleans’ crowded backcourt.
Memphis gained two young wings and draft flexibility but faces additional roster decisions before opening night.
- Who
- The New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies, involving Jordan Hawkins, Micah Peavy, AJ Johnson, Taj Gibson, and Bennedict Mathurin.
- What
- New Orleans completed a four-player trade with Memphis involving two players, two future second-round assets, and salary-cap planning.
- When
- The trade occurred after AJ Johnson became eligible to be included in another trade on Tuesday; the articles do not specify a calendar date.
- Where
- The transaction involved the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies.
- Why
- New Orleans sought a roster spot and salary-cap space to complete Bennedict Mathurin’s two-year, $16 million contract, while Memphis added young wings and draft flexibility.
Pelicans’ Roster Strategy
Grizzlies’ Asset Strategy
Purpose of the trade
Pelicans’ Roster Strategy
New Orleans prioritized a roster spot and salary-cap room to complete Bennedict Mathurin’s contract and viewed him as a potential long-term piece.
Grizzlies’ Asset Strategy
Memphis acquired two young wings and additional second-round draft capital while adding flexibility for a rebuilding roster.
Player value
Pelicans’ Roster Strategy
The Pelicans moved Hawkins after his playing time fell sharply in a crowded backcourt and included rookie Micah Peavy as depth they no longer needed.
Grizzlies’ Asset Strategy
The Grizzlies can evaluate Hawkins and Peavy as additional swingmen, though the move creates more roster decisions before opening night.
Veteran addition
Pelicans’ Roster Strategy
Taj Gibson provides New Orleans with a low-cost, experienced big man who can be waived if unnecessary.
Grizzlies’ Asset Strategy
Memphis gave up Gibson while already having several guaranteed contracts above the 15-player minimum.
- Outgoing from New Orleans
- Jordan Hawkins, Micah Peavy, a future second-round pick, and a future second-round pick swap
- Incoming to New Orleans
- AJ Johnson and Taj Gibson
- Mathurin contract
- Two years, $16 million
- Hawkins last season
- 5.1 points per game in 51 games and 13.6 minutes per game
- Hawkins previous season
- 10.8 points per game in 2024-25 while playing 23.6 minutes per game
- Mathurin statistics
- 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 54 games last season
- Gibson experience
- A 17-year veteran who played 10 games for Memphis last season