Memphis Grizzlies Waived Guard Jordan Hawkins
The Memphis Grizzlies parted ways with the 2023 first-round draft pick to reshape their backcourt roster.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Basketball
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The Memphis Grizzlies have officially waived Jordan Hawkins, a decision reached by both the team and the player. The move allows Hawkins to enter the free agent market after clearing the waiver process.
Why it matters
The Grizzlies executed this roster move to prioritize the long-term development of backcourt players Jaylen Wells, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Cam Spencer. This transition marks a strategic shift for the organization as it looks to solidify its guard rotation.
Jordan Hawkins, selected 14th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, leaves Memphis after recording 174 regular-season appearances. His career average stands at 8.0 points and 2.3 rebounds per game.
The players
Jordan Hawkins
He is a professional basketball guard who was drafted 14th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Memphis Grizzlies
They are a professional basketball team competing in the National Basketball Association based in Memphis.
Jaylen Wells
He is a young guard currently playing for the Memphis Grizzlies who is part of the team's developmental plan.
Scotty Pippen Jr.
He is a guard for the Memphis Grizzlies who is being prioritized for player development by the organization.
Cam Spencer
He is a guard for the Memphis Grizzlies expected to see increased development opportunities following recent roster changes.
The details
The decision to waive Hawkins followed a period of adjustment after the Grizzlies acquired him from the New Orleans Pelicans on September 8. Memphis had previously sent AJ Johnson and Taj Gibson to New Orleans as part of the organizational reshuffling.
Timeline
Jordan Hawkins was selected 14th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.
The Memphis Grizzlies acquired Hawkins from the New Orleans Pelicans on September 8.
The team officially waived Jordan Hawkins in October 2026.
Roadmap
This roster adjustment aligns with the broader league-wide trend of teams prioritizing developmental depth over veteran role players to manage salary caps effectively. The move underscores the Grizzlies' commitment to cultivating young talent over immediate veteran acquisition.
Fans should monitor the upcoming free agency market to see which team signs Hawkins to bolster their guard depth. This move effectively ends Hawkins' brief tenure with the franchise following his September arrival.
The takeaway
The move highlights the high turnover rate in the NBA as teams constantly refine their rosters to balance current performance with future growth. Followers of the league should expect similar personnel adjustments as teams navigate the competitive landscape of the regular season.
Further reading
For additional context on the team, visit the Memphis Basketball page.
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