​Apr 3, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Poole (center) talks with guard Dejounte Murray (left) and forward Zion Williamson (right) during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. © Darren Yamashita-Imagn ImagesThe New Orleans Pelicans are actively evaluating trade options this offseason as they seek to clear salary-cap space and acquire promising young talent. To survive in the competitive Western Conference, finding the right balance between these remains non-negotiable for their playoff ambitions.The Pelicans finished 11th in the West with a 26-56 record (17-24 at home, 9-31 on the road) last season, missing both the play-in and the playoffs for the second consecutive year.Marc Stein Reports Pelicans in Active Trade Talks With Memphis GrizzliesFollowing another disappointing campaign in 2025-26, the Pelicans’ front office is weighing strategic trade scenarios to bolster roster depth and gain financial breathing room as key contract extensions loom.NBA insider Marc Stein reports that the Pelicans are currently engaged in trade talks with division rival Memphis Grizzlies.“We’ve been writing for some time that the Pelicans continue to swat away trade interest in swingmen Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones. No change on those fronts. However … The Stein Line has learned that the Pelicans are indeed in active trade discussions,”Stein reported.Elaborating further, he added, “League sources say that New Orleans has been exploring various trade frameworks to send out former lottery pick Jordan Hawkins for some potential roster and financial flexibility. Those discussions, sources say, include conversations with Memphis.”Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones appear to be off the table despite the Pelicans’ openness to trade calls. The team views them as core pieces rather than simple trade assets and hopes for an equally significant proposal to match their stature.With both off the trade radar, guard Jordan Hawkins has emerged as the primary trade piece while the team explores the market.Fresh off winning the 2023 NCAA title with the UConn Huskies, Hawkins was drafted 14th overall by the Pelicans.In his rookie season, he played 67 games, averaging 7.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game while shooting 38.2% from the field and 36.6% from beyond the arc, featuring a career-high of 34 points against the Dallas Mavericks on January 13, 2024.MORE: NBA Rumors: Pelicans ‘Resisting All Trade Offers’ for $112,000,000 Starter Amid Warriors’ InterestWhile Hawkins saw his rotation minutes squeezed in a crowded Pelicans backcourt, the Memphis Grizzlies could be an ideal landing spot for him to maximize his potential as they search for a reliable perimeter shooter.The 23-year-old is currently signed to a four-year, $20.5 million rookie contract and is set to earn a base salary of $7 million next season. The Pelicans are $8.22 million below the $200.43 million luxury tax threshold for