NASHVILLE — The Memphis Grizzlies have waived guard Jordan Hawkins, according to ESPN.
Memphis acquired Hawkins in a recent trade that sent Taj Gibson and AJ Johnson to the New Orleans Pelicans. He joined the Grizzlies with forward Micah Peavy in the deal.
Hawkins is a former first-round pick who was hoping that a change of scenery in Memphis could help his career. The Grizzlies, who must get their crowded roster down to 15 players by the start of regular season, were facing a crunch.
The Grizzlies' roster now contains 17 standard contracts and three players on two-way deals. Memphis will need to waive or trade at least two more players on standard contracts before finalizing their roster.
Hawkins spent three seasons with the Pelicans before being
traded to the Grizzlies. He averaged eight points and shot 34.8% on 3-pointers in three seasons with the Pelicans.
Hawkins was due $7 million this season. He was drafted 14th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.
The Grizzlies will open preseason action on Oct. 5 against the Atlanta Hawks. Regular season play will begin on Oct. 21 at home against the Utah Jazz.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies part ways with guard Jordan Hawkins
