Grizzlies’ Pursuit of Jordan Hawkins Hits Roster and Cap Logjam

Memphis is actively scouting New York Knicks guard Jordan Hawkins, yet the team’s limited roster slots and salary‑cap constraints are turning the pursuit into a logistical puzzle.

Core developments

The Grizzlies have emerged as one of several clubs probing the Knicks’ 2023 first‑round pick, according to multiple reports. Both Yahoo Sports and Roundtable.io note that Memphis’ front office sees Hawkins as a potential backcourt complement to Ja Morant, especially if the guard can develop a reliable three‑point shot.

However, the same sources flag a “roster crunch.” Memphis already carries 15 players under contract, including a handful of two‑way deals and recently signed free agents. The Grizzlies would need to clear a roster spot—and likely a salary commitment—to accommodate Hawkins, whose rookie contract occupies a modest but non‑trivial portion of the cap.

Complicating matters, the New Orleans Pelicans are also evaluating trade packages for Hawkins. Yardbarker and Hoops Wire report that the Pelicans have floated scenarios that involve swapping draft assets and a veteran contract, positioning themselves as a direct competitor for Memphis. Both outlets indicate that the Pelicans’ interest is serious enough to warrant “multiple rounds of discussions” with New York.

In the broader offseason context, Beale Street Bears connects the Grizzlies’ dilemma to a cascade of moves sparked by LeBron James’ free‑agency decision. The article argues that as teams scramble to re‑tool their rosters, the Grizzlies are forced to weigh the upside of adding a high‑potential rookie against the risk of exceeding roster limits or triggering luxury‑tax penalties.

Why it matters

Jordan Hawkins entered the league as a 19‑year‑old with a reputation for shooting efficiency in college. For a Memphis squad that has struggled to maintain consistent perimeter scoring, his skill set could address a glaring need. Yet the Grizzlies are already operating near the league’s salary‑cap ceiling, and any additional contract—rookie or otherwise—must fit within a narrow financial window.

The roster crunch also highlights a league‑wide trend: teams are increasingly constrained by the 15‑player limit, especially after a flurry of two‑way contracts and early‑season signings. Analysts note that clubs must balance depth with flexibility, and Memphis appears to be at a crossroads where acquiring Hawkins could force the departure of a role player or the reshuffling of two‑way deals.

From a competitive standpoint, securing Hawkins could give Memphis a younger, sharpshooting option to pair with Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., potentially accelerating the team’s timeline to contend. Conversely, failing to navigate the cap and roster hurdles could leave the Grizzlies with a missed opportunity and a roster that remains imbalanced.

Differing viewpoints

One perspective, reflected in the Yahoo Sports piece, emphasizes the Grizzlies’ enthusiasm for Hawkins’ upside while acknowledging the “tightness” of their roster. The article suggests that Memphis might explore creative mechanisms—such as a trade‑and‑buyout of a veteran—to free space.

In contrast, the Roundtable.io analysis cautions that Memphis’ interest may be more exploratory than concrete, noting that the team’s front office has historically preferred “low‑risk, high‑reward” moves that do not jeopardize existing contracts.

The Pelicans’ angle, covered by Yardbarker and Hoops Wire, frames the trade talk as a competitive bidding war. Both outlets indicate that New Orleans is willing to part with a future first‑round pick and a bench salary, positioning themselves as a “more cap‑friendly” destination for Hawkins.

Finally, the Beale Street Bears commentary places the Grizzlies’ roster dilemma within a larger narrative of league‑wide roster churn, suggesting that Memphis may need to “lean into the domino effect” and consider shedding a player rather than simply adding one.

What’s next

Memphis appears set to evaluate several options before the trade deadline: negotiating a potential salary‑dump with a teammate, converting a two‑way contract to a standard deal to free a slot, or exploring a multi‑team trade that includes a draft pick. The front office is expected to hold “internal meetings” in the coming weeks, according to the sources.

Meanwhile, the Knicks are reportedly entertaining offers from both Memphis and New Orleans, weighing each proposal against their own rebuilding timeline. As the offseason advances, the likelihood of a trade hinges on whether the Grizzlies can free sufficient cap space and roster room without sacrificing depth.

If Memphis succeeds, Hawkins could join the lineup for training camp, giving the team a chance to assess his fit before the regular season. If the roster crunch proves insurmountable, the Grizzlies may pivot to alternative targets or retain Hawkins for another year, preserving the option to revisit the trade next season.