The Grizzlies cut a player three weeks after signing him

Memphis Grizzlies and Jordan Hawkins have decided to part ways just three weeks after the guard arrived at the franchise. Both parties have agreed to go through the waivers process, which will allow the player to seek a new team in free agency, according to sources reported to Shams Charania of ESPN.

The decision marks a particularly swift change for Hawkins, who landed in Memphis as part of a four-team trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, which also involved AJ Johnson and Taj Gibson. Now, the player selected in the 2023 Draft lottery is available to be signed by other franchises.

Hawkins leaves Memphis three weeks after his arrival

Hawkins's time with the Grizzlies has been notably brief. The 24-year-old guard arrived in Memphis from New Orleans and is now leaving the organization through the waivers process before even starting a new extended period with the franchise.

Hawkins had been selected by the Pelicans with the 14th pick in the 2023 Draft, after standing out during his college career at UConn. However, his role diminished in New Orleans during the last season, especially in a crowded backcourt rotation with many players competing for minutes.

Fewer minutes and a drop in production

Last season was challenging for Hawkins in terms of his involvement. The guard played 51 games and finished with an average of 5.1 points, while his minutes were reduced to 13.6 per game.

This figure represents a significant drop from the 2024-25 season. In that campaign, Hawkins had played 23.6 minutes per game and reached an average of 10.8 points.

His struggle to find a stable role within the Pelicans' backcourt rotation ultimately defined his situation during the last season. Despite his profile as a shooter, Hawkins was unable to maintain the impact he had previously.

A lottery pick looking for a new team

Hawkins entered the NBA as one of the lottery picks in the 2023 Draft. The Pelicans used the 14th pick to select him, betting on an outside player from UConn known for his shooting ability.

Two years after that selection, his situation has changed considerably. He first lost prominence in New Orleans and was then included in a four-team trade that brought him to Memphis. Just three weeks later, the Grizzlies have opted to part ways with him through the waivers.

This move will now allow him to explore the market again and seek a franchise where he can find a role with greater continuity.

Hawkins's arrival in Memphis also came after a change in the Pelicans' front office. He was selected in 2023 under the leadership of David Griffin as head of basketball operations, two years before Joe Dumars replaced Griffin in that position.

A new chapter in Hawkins's NBA career now begins, with the possibility of finding a new destination after an especially swift exit from the Grizzlies.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los Grizzlies cortan a un jugador tres semanas después de ficharle