The New Orleans Pelicans are staring at a roster decision, and Jordan Hawkins looks like the odd man out.
Hawkins, the 14th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, was brought in to be a deep-shooting complement to Zion Williamson and the rest of the Pelicans’ core. Instead, three years later, a split before the season begins feels like the direction this is heading.
New Orleans has already pushed its roster to 16 after adding guard Bennedict Mathurin, which means one move has to be made before the regular season starts in October. Hawkins’ name sits near the top of that conversation after a rough year that saw him tumble out of the rotation. He dealt with prolonged shooting slumps and ongoing defensive issues, and last season brought career lows in points, minutes, games played, and field goal percentage.
That is why Memphis stands out as the clearest landing spot. The Grizzlies and Pelicans reportedly discussed a deal for Hawkins earlier in the summer, though nothing came together. Even so, the fit still makes plenty of sense.
From Memphis’ side, the numbers work. The Grizzlies are in full rebuild mode after moving star point guard Ja Morant this offseason.
Their young core of Cameron Boozer, Cedric Coward, and Zach Edey is all on rookie contracts, and they could take on Hawkins’ expiring $7 million deal without much trouble. Jerami Grant, whom Memphis got back in the Morant trade, is the only player on the roster making more than $15 million per season.
They also have flexibility in the form of a massive trade exception, which could allow them to bring Hawkins in without sending salary back. On top of that, Memphis has five second-round picks over the next three years that could be part of a package.
The upside is obvious if Hawkins rediscovers his shot. He did show some life in his second season, when he averaged 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists off the bench.
But the Pelicans’ backcourt became crowded fast. Last season brought in Jordan Poole, Jeremiah Fears was drafted, and Dejounte Murray returned from a ruptured Achilles tendon injury. That left Hawkins fighting for scraps.
He never really won that battle. From late December through January, he shot 40% or less from the field in 16 of 17 games, then spent nine straight games on the bench before getting back on the floor. A fresh start in Memphis could be the reset both sides need.
For New Orleans, keeping him around and risking losing him next summer after using a first-round pick on him doesn’t make much sense. For Memphis, a low-cost swing on a young guard with some shooting pedigree is easy to justify. Right now, the Grizzlies look like the best trade partner on the board.
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