Tuesday, the New Orleans Pelicans pulled the trigger on a deal, sending Jordan Hawkins, Micah Peavy, a future second-round pick, and a second-round pick swap to the Memphis Grizzlies for AJ Johnson and Taj Gibson, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. This deal comes as a corresponding move to free up some space to finalize the signing of scoring guard Bennedict Mathurin.
Although this deal definitely has its downsides, like giving up on Micah Peavy after an encouraging rookie season and summer league, there is one silver lining. When I looked at the Pelicans roster going into next season, a true third-string point guard felt like it was something this team was lacking. Even after signing Mathurin, it felt like, behind Jeremiah Fears and Dejounte Murray, the Pelicans would be forced to lean on Jordan Poole or Mathurin to play a role they don’t fit.
That’s why acquiring AJ Johnson can be viewed as a win, as he’s a potential upside swing at the third-string point guard spot. Johnson is a high-level athlete who can playmake and create for his teammates. So far in his career, he’s struggled to find a home in the NBA, and the Pelicans will be his fourth team as he heads into his third NBA season. But maybe New Orleans can be a place he finally calls home.
Johnson may have finally found his home
Now, there is a reason AJ Johnson has struggled to find a home in the NBA, as his stats haven’t been good and he’s struggled immensely with shooting. In his 77 career games, Johnson has shot 35.7 percent from the field and 24.5 percent from three. In the modern NBA, those shooting figures are going to make it impossible to find playing time, as at minimum you have to be able to finish at the rim efficiently, and Johnson has struggled with that.
But that’s why New Orleans may be the right fit for him. He doesn’t have to play a ton of games or be thrown to the wolves on a tanking team. This team is expected to compete every night and try to win games, and with Fears and Murray ahead of him, the pressure on Johnson to help produce those results is going to be zero.
All Johnson needs to do in 2026-27 with the Pelicans is become a stable ball handler who can occasionally play 10 minutes when Fears or Murray needs a night off or rest.
While his jumper is a massive work in progress, his athleticism as a speed demon and leaper in the fast break can create highlights and exciting moments. He’s also flashed the ability to become a capable playmaker who can run ball screens and create advantages, particularly for bigs down low. Pair those two traits with his size at the guard spot, standing 6-foot-5, and he could be a fun player for this new coaching staff to develop this season.
Johnson is also a great player for Murray to take under his wing and guide through this new chapter.
Micah Peavy definitely fits the Pelicans' style of play better and had a cleaner path to becoming a rotation piece than Johnson. It’s not all bad. In theory, Johnson can be the third point guard this team needs and a fun developmental project for the NBA and G League staffs to work with.
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