NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – The Pelicans, who have been largely quiet this offseason, have had talks with Memphis centered around shooting guard Jordan Hawkins.
NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer report that the Grizzlies have registered some interest in taking on the 2023 first-round pick out of UConn.
Hawkins is currently in the final year of his rookie contract and is guaranteed more than $7 million this season.
Stein and Fischer say that the Pelicans are $10.4 million under the first apron of the luxury tax. Dealing Hawkins away wouldn’t save significant money for New Orleans, but a potential deal could open up a roster spot for the Pelicans if it’s a “player-for-pick” swap.
The Pelicans finished last season with a 26-56 record, missing the postseason for a second straight season. So far this summer, the Pelicans have not been a part of any trades, despite interest around the NBA for Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III, and their only free agent signing was to bring back veteran center DeAndre Jordan, 38, on a two-year $7.9 million deal.
Hawkins will be a restricted free agent next summer.
Pierre signs a two-way
The Pelicans announced on Thursday (July 23) that they have reached a two-way contract agreement with their second-round draft pick Jaron Pierre Jr. The former St. Aug star was taken No. 58 overall out of SMU.
See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Click Here to report it. Please include the headline.
Subscribe to the Fox 8 YouTube channel.
Copyright 2026 WVUE. All rights reserved.