Memphis Grizzlies Waive Guard Jordan Hawkins After Recent Trade

Hawkins Hits Free Agency

The Memphis Grizzlies and guard Jordan Hawkins have officially agreed to part ways. The team is placing the young guard on waivers. This move will allow the former lottery pick to look for a new home as a free agent.

The decision comes only three weeks after Hawkins first arrived in Memphis. He was acquired as part of a four player trade with the New Orleans Pelicans. In that deal, AJ Johnson and Taj Gibson were sent to the Pelicans. Now, Hawkins is back on the market.

A Tough Road in New Orleans

Hawkins is a 24 year old perimeter shooter who originally entered the league with high expectations. He was a star at UConn before the Pelicans selected him with the 14th overall pick in the 2023 draft.

However, he struggled to secure consistent playing time in a crowded New Orleans backcourt. His court time dropped quickly. During the 2024 to 2025 season, Hawkins played 23.6 minutes per game and averaged 10.8 points. Last season, those numbers fell to just 13.6 minutes per game. He averaged 5.1 points in 51 games.

The guard also saw changes in the front office during his time with his former team. Joe Dumars recently replaced David Griffin as the chief of basketball operations in New Orleans. This change took place two years after the franchise originally drafted Hawkins.

What it means for the next game

Memphis Grizzlies at Atlanta Hawks (NBA, Mon, 05 Oct): Atlanta Hawks win 76%, Memphis Grizzlies win 24%; projected score Atlanta Hawks 123, Memphis Grizzlies 114. Our safest pick: Hawks to win.

Orlando Magic at Memphis Grizzlies (NBA, Thu, 08 Oct): Memphis Grizzlies win 34%, Orlando Magic win 66%; projected score Memphis Grizzlies 115, Orlando Magic 119. Our safest pick: Grizzlies +12.5.