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The Memphis Grizzlies have been linked to New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins via trade, and now, there is another name to monitor in those talks.
According to a report from HoopsHype, conversations between the Grizzlies and Pelicans about Hawkins have also involved Memphis guard AJ Johnson.
"New Orleans has explored the trade market on Jordan Hawkins, including discussions with the Memphis Grizzlies involving AJ Johnson, league sources told HoopsHype," wrote NBA insider Michael Scotto. "Shedding Hawkins’ $7.02 million salary from their books would keep New Orleans below the luxury tax while using the non-taxpayer mid-level exception to make a run at [Bennedict] Mathurin."
The Grizzlies acquired Johnson earlier this offseason as part of a larger trade that also brought veterans D’Angelo Russell, Isaiah Stewart and draft capital to Memphis. While Johnson was a first-round pick in 2024, he has struggled so far at the NBA level and may be seen as a movable piece within the Grizzlies' walls.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans are looking to move off Hawkins in order to gain some flexibility. If the Grizzlies take him on, they may be able to convince New Orleans to attach an asset.
Johnson went No. 23 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft to the Milwaukee Bucks, but he was moved to the Washington Wizards during his rookie season. Then, during his sophomore campaign, the Wizards traded him to the Dallas Mavericks, who kept him until this summer's deal landed him with the Grizzlies.
Clearly, the 21-year-old hasn't had much of a chance to get his footing with one team at the NBA level. That could mean that if he finds the right team and opportunity, he'll have a chance to improve on his career averages of 4.9 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.
He is also a career shooter of just 35.7 percent from the field and 24.5 percent from beyond the arc.
Hawkins was a lottery pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, landing at No. 14 overall to the Pelicans. After helping UConn win a national title, he was seen as one of the best shooters in his draft class.
He has shown flashes of potential at the NBA level, but his career hasn't exactly gone to plan. While he averaged 10.8 points per game in his second season, that fell to 5.1 points per game this past season as his role shrunk. He hasn't been very efficient at the NBA level, shooting just 37.4 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from long range.
Hawkins' best season from beyond the arc was his rookie campaign, when he made 36.6 percent of his triples. If he can live up to his potential as a shooter, he may be able to help a team.
Continue reading...
According to a report from HoopsHype, conversations between the Grizzlies and Pelicans about Hawkins have also involved Memphis guard AJ Johnson.
"New Orleans has explored the trade market on Jordan Hawkins, including discussions with the Memphis Grizzlies involving AJ Johnson, league sources told HoopsHype," wrote NBA insider Michael Scotto. "Shedding Hawkins’ $7.02 million salary from their books would keep New Orleans below the luxury tax while using the non-taxpayer mid-level exception to make a run at [Bennedict] Mathurin."
The Grizzlies acquired Johnson earlier this offseason as part of a larger trade that also brought veterans D’Angelo Russell, Isaiah Stewart and draft capital to Memphis. While Johnson was a first-round pick in 2024, he has struggled so far at the NBA level and may be seen as a movable piece within the Grizzlies' walls.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans are looking to move off Hawkins in order to gain some flexibility. If the Grizzlies take him on, they may be able to convince New Orleans to attach an asset.
Johnson's Resume
Johnson went No. 23 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft to the Milwaukee Bucks, but he was moved to the Washington Wizards during his rookie season. Then, during his sophomore campaign, the Wizards traded him to the Dallas Mavericks, who kept him until this summer's deal landed him with the Grizzlies.
Clearly, the 21-year-old hasn't had much of a chance to get his footing with one team at the NBA level. That could mean that if he finds the right team and opportunity, he'll have a chance to improve on his career averages of 4.9 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.
He is also a career shooter of just 35.7 percent from the field and 24.5 percent from beyond the arc.
Hawkins' Resume
Hawkins was a lottery pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, landing at No. 14 overall to the Pelicans. After helping UConn win a national title, he was seen as one of the best shooters in his draft class.
He has shown flashes of potential at the NBA level, but his career hasn't exactly gone to plan. While he averaged 10.8 points per game in his second season, that fell to 5.1 points per game this past season as his role shrunk. He hasn't been very efficient at the NBA level, shooting just 37.4 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from long range.
Hawkins' best season from beyond the arc was his rookie campaign, when he made 36.6 percent of his triples. If he can live up to his potential as a shooter, he may be able to help a team.
Continue reading...
