Jordan Hawkins Free Agency
Memphis Grizzlies and Jordan Hawkins Mutually Agree to Part Ways Before Season
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Key Points
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Memphis acquired Hawkins on Sept. 8 in a trade that also brought in forward Micah Peavy, a future second-round pick and a second-round pick swap; AJ Johnson and Taj Gibson went to New Orleans.
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After waiving Hawkins, the Grizzlies still had roster cuts to make: reports said they had 17 standard-contract players and needed to clear at least two more spots before the regular-season opener.
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Hawkins was due $7 million this season. Over three seasons with New Orleans, he averaged eight points and shot 34.8% from three-point range.
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Reflecting on his time in New Orleans, Hawkins said he “didn't take full advantage” of his opportunity and had learned to contribute on both ends of the floor, including when he wasn’t scoring or shooting.
The Memphis Grizzlies and Jordan Hawkins mutually agreed to part ways less than a month after acquiring the 24-year-old guard from New Orleans. The Big Lead reported that Hawkins will become a free agent once he clears waivers, giving the young shooter a fresh chance to find a new team after a disappointing stint with the Pelicans.
Memphis made the trade on September 8 to add depth but quickly realized Hawkins wouldn't secure consistent playing time. TSN noted that the move came less than three weeks after the initial trade, as the Grizzlies trimmed their roster before the regular season opener and still needed to cut at least two more players from their 17-man roster.
A Quick Exit After Big Trade
On September 8, the Grizzlies sent AJ Johnson and Taj Gibson to New Orleans in exchange for Hawkins, forward Micah Peavy, a future second-round pick, and a second-round pick swap. Yahoo Sports reported that Memphis believed it had found scoring help, but the fit fell apart almost immediately.
Hawkins was due to earn $7 million this season. The guard's $40 million contract (reported fully guaranteed) made the waiver decision significant, as Memphis committed to absorbing the financial hit to clear roster space.
Decline in Production Sealed His Memphis Fate
Last season with New Orleans, Hawkins averaged just 5.1 points across 51 games while playing 13.6 minutes per outing. The Commercial Appeal noted this marked a steep drop from his earlier years with the Pelicans, when he averaged eight points over three seasons.
The 2023 first-round pick also struggled from beyond the arc. Over his three years in New Orleans, Hawkins shot 34.8% from three-point range, below league average and far below expectations for a designated shooter role.
Hawkins Learns From 'Missed Opportunity'
Reflecting on his time with the Pelicans, Hawkins acknowledged he "didn't take full advantage" of his opportunity. The guard said he had learned to become a more complete player who contributes on both defense and off-ball movement, not just as a scorer.
Now a free agent, Hawkins has the chance to find a team that values his willingness to grow. NBC Sports reported the waiver move could provide the former lottery pick a fresh start to revive his NBA career before it fully stalls out.
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