Pelicans Acquire AJ Johnson and Taj Gibson in New Trade With Grizzlies

PELICANS ACQUIRE AJ JOHNSON AND TAJ GIBSON IN TRADE WITH GRIZZLIES

The New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies have completed a four-player trade as both teams continue reshaping their rosters ahead of the 2026–27 NBA season.

New Orleans has acquired guard AJ Johnson and veteran forward Taj Gibson from Memphis. In return, the Grizzlies receive Jordan Hawkins, Micah Peavy, a future second-round draft pick and a future second-round pick swap.

NEW ORLEANS CREATES MORE ROSTER FLEXIBILITY

The deal gives the Pelicans a different look while also providing the organization with additional financial flexibility.

The move comes as New Orleans continues making significant changes to its roster ahead of the upcoming season.

That makes this more than a simple exchange of players. It represents another step in the Pelicans’ attempt to reshape their roster and position themselves for the 2026–27 campaign.

AJ JOHNSON GETS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY

AJ Johnson, 21, was selected with the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

The young guard appeared in 48 games for the Washington Wizards and Dallas Mavericks last season, averaging 3.3 points and 1.1 rebounds per game.

For New Orleans, Johnson represents a young player who still has significant room to develop. A new environment could provide him with another opportunity to establish a larger role at the NBA level.

TAJ GIBSON BRINGS VETERAN EXPERIENCE

Taj Gibson arrives in New Orleans as one of the NBA’s most experienced veterans.

The 41-year-old appeared in 10 games for Memphis last season, averaging 3.4 points and 2.7 rebounds.

Gibson has spent 17 seasons in the NBA and brings extensive experience, professionalism and frontcourt depth to a Pelicans roster undergoing significant change.

His experience could also provide value beyond the court as younger players continue developing.

MEMPHIS ADDS JORDAN HAWKINS

One of the most intriguing pieces moving to Memphis is Jordan Hawkins.

The 24-year-old guard was selected 14th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft after playing college basketball at UConn.

During his three seasons with New Orleans, Hawkins averaged 8.0 points and 2.3 rebounds while shooting 34.8 percent from three-point range.

His perimeter shooting gives Memphis another potential offensive weapon and a young guard who could benefit from an expanded opportunity.

MICAH PEAVY ALSO HEADS TO MEMPHIS

Memphis also receives Micah Peavy, another young player with room to develop.

Peavy averaged 4.3 points and 1.9 rebounds during his rookie season with New Orleans.

His addition gives the Grizzlies another young option to evaluate as they continue building their roster for the future.

Combined with Hawkins and the future draft assets included in the deal, Memphis receives several pieces that could provide longer-term value.

BOTH TEAMS CONTINUE THEIR OFFSEASON CHANGES

The trade arrives during a busy period for both franchises as preparations continue for the 2026–27 NBA season.

For New Orleans, the deal brings in Johnson and the veteran presence of Gibson while giving the organization additional flexibility as it shapes its roster.

For Memphis, Hawkins, Peavy and future draft assets provide several pieces that could contribute to the franchise’s next chapter.

With training camp approaching, both organizations will now turn their attention toward integrating their new players and preparing for the season ahead.