Pelicans & Grizzlies Swing 4-Player Trade
The New Orleans Pelicans are trading Jordan Hawkins, Micah Peavy, a future second-round pick and a future second-round pick swap to the Memphis Grizzlies for AJ Johnson and Taj Gibson, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/JLvDjv9clc
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 8, 2026
New Orleans is sending guard Jordan Hawkins, rookie Micah Peavy, a future second-round pick and a future second-round pick swap to Memphis in exchange for guard AJ Johnson and veteran forward Taj Gibson.
The move gives the rebuilding Grizzlies another young potential perimeter scorer in Hawkins, who was selected 14th overall by New Orleans in the 2023 NBA Draft. Hawkins entered the league with a reputation as a dangerous three-point shooter after a standout season at UConn, but his development in New Orleans has been uneven.
He saw his role significantly diminished last season, watching his minutes dip from 23.6 per game to just 13.6 a night. That corresponded to a big drop in scoring, from almost 11 points a game to just 5.1 ppg. A change of scenery could give the 24-year-old an opportunity to carve out a larger role in Memphis.
Peavy, meanwhile, gives the Grizzlies another young player with size and versatility on the wing. The former TCU standout was selected by New Orleans in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft.
Memphis is starting a new era this season, having drafted Cameron Boozer with the No. 3 pick to be their new centerpiece, while trading franchise star Ja Morant to Portland after years of controversy.
Pelicans waive player almost immediately after trade
For the Pelicans, they get a former first-round pick in Johnson. He'll provide another young guard option.
As for the 41-year-old Gibson, his stay in New Orleans will not last very long. Reports are that the Pels are said to be waiving the gritty 17-year vet just hours after the deal.
Per a league source, the Pels plan to waive veteran Taj Gibson. They'll still owe him $100K. AJ Johnson will stick with the team for now. They'd like to get a good look at him in training camp and see how he fits. https://t.co/9W8Klx076g
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) September 8, 2026
The Pelicans also recently added Bennedict Mathurin on a two-year, $16 million contract, and the trade helps the team remain below the luxury-tax line this season.
As for Gibson, he appeared in just 10 games for Memphis last season. Whether he'll try to catch on again with another team for an 18th NBA season remains to be seen.
Per Will Guillory, New Orleans does plan to get a long look at Johnson at training camp.