On Tuesday, the Memphis Grizzlies announced they acquired guard Jordan Hawkins, wing Micah Peavy, and future second-round draft assets from the New Orleans Pelicans for guard AJ Johnson and center Taj Gibson.
According to The Athletic’s Will Guillory, the Pelicans are expected to waive the 41-year-old Gibson.
Hawkins, the 14th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has played in 174 games (20 starts) over three seasons and averaged 8.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists.
The 24-year-old averaged a career-high 10.8 points per game for the Pelicans during the 2024-25 season. Last season, Hawkins averaged 5.1 points in 51 games with the Pelicans.
Peavy appeared in 61 games (four starts) and averaged 4.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 15.0 minutes last season during his rookie campaign with the Pelicans.
New Orleans selected the 25-year-old with the 40th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Johnson has appeared in 77 games (11 starts) over two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, Washington Wizards, and Dallas Mavericks, averaging 4.9 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 14.2 minutes. The 21-year-old was drafted 23rd overall in the 2024 NBA Draft and acquired by Memphis from Dallas on July 8.
Gibson played 17 NBA seasons with the Chicago Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets, and the Grizzlies. Gibson recorded 3.4 points and 2.7 rebounds in 9.7 minutes in 10 games (one start) for Memphis last season.
In this deal, Memphis gets a former lottery pick in Hawkins. He should have an opportunity to earn playing time with the rebuilding Grizzlies.
Memphis currently has 19 players under contract. Ultimately, the Grizzlies will have to cut their roster to 15 players before the season starts.
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