Taj Gibson Traded to Pelicans in Deal With Grizzlies as New Orleans Clears Cap Space

Taj Gibson is on the move again after the New Orleans Pelicans acquired the veteran forward from the Memphis Grizzlies in a trade that helps clear the financial room needed to complete the signing of Bennedict Mathurin.

New Orleans sent Jordan Hawkins, Micah Peavy, a future second-round pick and a second-round pick swap to Memphis for Gibson and A.J. Johnson. The deal gives the Pelicans enough room under the NBA’s first-apron hard cap to finalize Mathurin’s signing.

The trade also leaves Gibson’s immediate future with New Orleans uncertain. The Pelicans are expected to waive him, according to the transaction details, after his contract guarantee increased from $0 to $200,000 to facilitate the deal.

Gibson’s Short Memphis Stint Ends

Gibson joined the Grizzlies in late February after beginning last season without an NBA team. He appeared in 10 games for Memphis, providing veteran leadership but little fantasy basketball value.

For Memphis, the move is primarily about adding draft capital while using its available cap space. The Grizzlies acquired Hawkins, Peavy and additional second-round draft assets in the transaction.

Hawkins, a 6-foot-5 guard entering the final year of his rookie-scale contract, averaged just over 13 minutes per game during his third NBA season. He has yet to shoot better than 40% from the field in an NBA season.

Peavy, meanwhile, had shown flashes during his time with New Orleans and now joins Memphis as part of the roster reshuffling.

A.J. Johnson’s Roster Future

Johnson also moves to Memphis in the trade and could have an opportunity to remain with the Grizzlies. He has two years remaining on his rookie-scale contract, with Memphis facing a decision on his fourth-year team option by Oct. 31.

For the Pelicans, however, the immediate objective is financial flexibility. The transaction clears the path for Mathurin’s signing while leaving the team to determine whether Gibson will ultimately remain on its roster.

At this stage, Gibson’s role in New Orleans remains unclear, with the veteran forward potentially headed for another roster change before the season begins.