The New Orleans Pelicans' quiet offseason may finally have some movement, as NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the front office is exploring several different Jordan Hawkins trade avenues. According to Stein, those discussions include conversations with the Memphis Grizzlies, as the Pelicans are looking to move on from Hawkins to create needed roster and financial flexibility.
Stein also confirmed yesterday that New Orleans had come to terms on a two-way deal with 2026 second-round pick Jaron Pierre Jr. This leaves the Pelicans with one open standard roster spot and one available two-way spot.
Hawkins is set to make $7,021,895 next season, and for a player whose play has steadily declined since the start of his rookie season, a fresh start elsewhere would be beneficial for all parties. When you’re a former lottery pick like Hawkins who entered the league known for three-point shooting and has struggled to see that impact translate from college to the pros, wiping the slate clean can help revive a career.
While the possibility of moving Hawkins may have Pelicans fans excited in the midst of an unbelievably quiet summer, it’s actually a complete mismanagement of assets by Joe Dumars.
The timing of a Hawkins trade is what makes it frustrating
Hawkins had a team option for the remaining $7,021,895 on his contract with a deadline set for October 31, 2025. The Pelicans chose to exercise that option despite clear warning signs that he wouldn’t fit their long-term future.Â
Meaning that instead of having to trade him to create flexibility, they could’ve flat out declined his deal and freed up both his money and the roster spot he currently occupies. It would be one thing if Hawkins was still viewed as a young player with high potential and the only reason New Orleans felt like moving him was that he doesn’t fit their vision. But that’s not the case. The 24-year-old is coming off a disappointing season, and it looks like his NBA career could be on the ropes.
This past season, Hawkins appeared in 51 games and averaged 5.1 points and shot 34.6 percent from three in 13.1 minutes per game, despite being a player whose main draw is that he is supposed to be a sniper from deep.
In what world is a smart organization like the Memphis Grizzlies or any of the 28 NBA front offices going to give up any form of value for a player with those numbers and impact at his price point? Given Hawkins' situation, the Pelicans would likely have to hand over some type of draft capital to have another team take a flier on him. Obviously nothing crazy; we aren’t talking about first-round picks or anything like that, likely a second-round pick or a pair of second-round swaps.
But for a team that won 47 games over the last two seasons, giving up anything to part with Hawkins is frustrating for fans. It’s especially frustrating when you consider they could have outright declined his option and had him off the books at no additional cost.
I understand that anytime there are rumors of potential trades during an offseason when the front office did nothing, the Pelicans fan base is going to get excited. But in this case, they shouldn’t be. This potential move doesn’t change anything or set the franchise up better—it just highlights another mismanagement of assets in the Joe Dumars era.
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