Grizzlies acquire Jordan Hawkins from Pelicans, send AJ Johnson and Taj Gibson to New Orleans

In a move that reshapes roster depth during the preseason period, the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans have reached a trade agreement. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Grizzlies will send AJ Johnson and Taj Gibson to New Orleans in exchange for Jordan Hawkins, Micah Peavy, a future second-round pick and a future second-round pick swap. The deal was reported on September 8, 2026. For Memphis, this is another step to bolster their wing rotation after a busy offseason. Jordan Hawkins, the 14th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft out of UConn, averaged 8.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and shot 34.8% from three-point range in 18 minutes per game across three seasons with the Pelicans. Hawkins gives the Grizzlies a willing shooter who can move off the ball and create spacing for Ja Morant. Memphis has lacked a consistent perimeter shooter next to Desmond Bane, and Hawkins fits that role with his experience in an up-tempo offense. Micah Peavy, selected 40th overall by the Pelicans in the 2026 NBA Draft, is a promising defensive piece. As a rookie, Peavy averaged 4.3 points and 1.9 rebounds in limited minutes. At 6-foot-5 with a long wingspan, Peavy has the tools to become a versatile wing defender, the kind of player Memphis has historically developed well. If the coaching staff can refine his ball-handling and shooting, Peavy could become a low-cost long-term asset. Adding a future second-round pick and a pick swap gives Memphis more flexibility in future trades. New Orleans, meanwhile, is taking a gamble on AJ Johnson. The former 23rd overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft arrived in Memphis this offseason from Dallas as part of a six-team trade involving Khris Middleton to the Wizards and Isaiah Stewart to the Grizzlies. Johnson never played a game for Memphis. Last season, he averaged 3.3 points in 48 games with the Mavericks and Wizards. Those numbers are modest, but Johnson is only 21 years old and has good skill for a 6-foot-5 guard. The Pelicans are likely hoping to develop him as a backup to Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum. Taj Gibson, 41, joins his ninth NBA franchise after signing with the Grizzlies in February. In the 2026-26 season, he averaged 3.4 points and 2.7 rebounds in 10 games with Memphis. Gibson's impact is not measured by stats but by his defensive leadership and veteran presence. For a young Pelicans squad, Gibson can guide players like Yves Missi and Karlo Matkovic through the rigors of an NBA season. This trade illustrates two contrasting philosophies. Memphis is in win-now mode, trading away an unproven young player in AJ Johnson to acquire an experienced shooter in Hawkins. The Grizzlies expect Hawkins to contribute immediately. New Orleans is rebuilding after Zion Williamson's struggles, prioritizing young players and draft assets over immediate results. Johnson, though inconsistent, remains a high-upside prospect. Gibson balances the salary structure while offering mentorship. The second-round pick swap is another key detail. Memphis values these assets as trade ammunition, especially with future contract extensions looming for players like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane. Pelicans fans might be confused to see Hawkins leave, but the front office is betting on the development of Peavy and Johnson. Hawkins was a specialized shooter, while Johnson has superior on-ball creation potential if given consistent minutes. For Memphis, the goals are clear: they want to contend in the 2026-27 season. With Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. leading the core, the Grizzlies cannot wait for young projects. They need players who can contribute from day one. Hawkins may not take 25 shots per game, but he will space the floor and knock down shots in critical moments. In the playoffs, having a reliable shooter can change the defense's strategy. Peavy is a long-term investment in Memphis's player development pipeline. Rather than paying premium prices for a defensive wing in free agency, the Grizzlies seek to cultivate their own talent from mid-to-late draft picks. Peavy fits that mold. Taylor Jenkins's system has historically hidden weaknesses and maximized prospects with good physical tools. This trade also highlights the challenges faced by small-market franchises in the NBA. The Pelicans have often had to part with young talent due to financial constraints or roster instability. Moving Hawkins provides them with future assets and a chance to reset their developmental priorities. At 41, Gibson can still deliver around 10-15 solid minutes when needed. Known for his defense and toughness, he brings emotional stability to a young locker room. Head coach Willie Green will value Gibson's professionalism even beyond what he contributes in the box score. Overall, this September 2026 trade between the Grizzlies and Pelicans makes sense for both sides. Memphis gets immediate contributors and added depth; New Orleans acquires promising young talent and a veteran mentor. Whether Hawkins revives himself in Memphis or Johnson becomes a new discovery in New Orleans will be revealed with time. For now, both teams have reason to feel satisfied with their maneuvering.