Pelicans make trade with Grizzlies involving 4 players, 2 picks to make room for Bennedict Mathurin
The New Orleans Pelicans had to shave their salary after signing Bennedict Mathurin to a multi-year contract.
Last month, the New Orleans Pelicans made a solid addition after signing Bennedict Mathurin to a two-year contract worth $16 million. On Tuesday, they were forced to make a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies to make room for Mathurin.
With the arrival of the promising guard, the Pelicans needed to cut salary to get under the first apron.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, New Orleans sent Jordan Hawkins, Micah Peavy, a future second-round pick, and a future second-round pick swap to Memphis in exchange for AJ Johnson and Taj Gibson.
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
As ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel previously noted, Hawkins was a prime candidate to get shipped to create more financial flexibility after the acquisition of Mathurin.
“The logical move here would be for the Pelicans to dump Jordan Hawkins somewhere, which would instantly solve everything for them—cap problems and roster crunch,” wrote Siegel on X in August.
Last season, Mathurin averaged career-highs of 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 54 games with the Indiana Pacers and the Los Angeles Clippers.
He is expected to be the sixth man for the Pelicans, a similar role he played for the Pacers and the Clippers.
As for the Grizzlies, they received a pair of potential contributors in Hawkins and Peavy. Their untapped potential could be utilized in Memphis, although the roster is already loaded with wing players.
More details to come.
Last month, the New Orleans Pelicans made a solid addition after signing Bennedict Mathurin to a two-year contract worth $16 million. On Tuesday, they were forced to make a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies to make room for Mathurin. With the arrival of the promising guard, the Pelicans needed to cut salary to get under the first apron.