The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly in trade discussions involving guard Jordan Hawkins, the No. 14 overall pick in the 2023 draft. Hawkins, now 24, has had his player option exercised for the upcoming season, guaranteeing him just over $7 million. The organization appears ready to part ways with him before the contract expires, seeking to free a roster spot and a modest salary that is unlikely to see significant playing time.
Hawkins appeared in 51 games last season, averaging 13.6 minutes per contest. Between mid-January and late March he logged eight games, posting 1.6 points, 0.4 rebounds and 0.1 assists while seeing just 2.9 minutes of action. Those numbers illustrate a limited role that has left the young guard on the periphery of the Pelicans’ rotation.
His college résumé hints at the upside the franchise hopes to recapture. As a sophomore at UConn, Hawkins shot 38.8 % on 7.6 attempts per game, helping the Huskies capture a national championship. He recorded a 25-point outing last season and, a year earlier, knocked down six threes in a single game, demonstrating a scoring ceiling that has yet to translate consistently at the NBA level.
Financially, the $7 million contract is modest by cap standards, but the Pelicans are motivated to clear it because Hawkins is entering the final year of his deal. After the next season the salary will be completely off the books, a factor that could make his contract more attractive to a trade partner who would assume little long-term financial commitment.
From a strategic standpoint, moving Hawkins would give New Orleans additional flexibility to explore other roster options that better fit its current construction. By shedding a contract that is unlikely to yield on-court returns, the Pelicans preserve cap space for potential acquisitions that align with their longer-term planning.
The timeline for any transaction remains uncertain, but the front office’s willingness to engage in talks suggests that a resolution could come before the offseason reshapes the league’s roster landscape. If a trade materializes, the Pelicans will have cleared both a roster spot and a modest salary, positioning themselves to pursue talent that more directly addresses their immediate needs.
