The Golden State Warriors may be less than 48 hours away from their first preseason game, but they've just been gifted a late free agency target in the form of young sharpshooter Jordan Hawkins.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania on Friday, Hawkins and the Memphis Grizzlies have agreed to part ways after the former lottery pick was acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans in a trade last month.
Jordan Hawkins may become last minute free agency target for Warriors
The Warriors technically still have a roster spot available given Brandon Williams' contract is non-guaranteed until opening night later in the month. It would be a last minute move for Golden State to sign Hawkins and give him a chance to make the main roster when training camp in Hawaii is almost complete, but the franchise does have six preseason games in which to evaluate things if it were to happen.
The more intruiging outcome would be if Hawkins were willing to accept a two-way contract. That would seem unlikely given he's still a young and talented player taken 14th overall only three years ago, yet it's a possibility given his availibility is coming so close to the start of the season where many teams have already finalized their rosters.
The Memphis Grizzlies and guard Jordan Hawkins have mutually agreed to part ways, allowing the 2023 lottery pick to find a new home in free agency once he clears waivers, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/2N2osIWF0n
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 3, 2026
The Warriors have all three two-way contracted players in place with LJ Cryer, Malevy Leons and Graham Ike. They are free to replace them at anytime though, and taking a gamble on Hawkins would surely be more worthwhile than retaining Leons who is already 27-years-old and hasn't set to the world on fire in his opportunities to date.
Rival teams should take a gamble on Jordan Hawkins
Hawkins will surely quickly find a home in the coming days, particularly if he's willing to accept a two-way contract. The 24-year-old is supposed to be a knockdown shooter but has nailed just 34.8% from beyond the arc over his career to date. Perhaps a fresh start away from the dysfunction of New Orleans is just what he needs to deliver on the promise he showed entering the league.
Golden State would be an interesting destination given their reliance on 3-point shooting and the current absence of sixth-year wing Moses Moody who's recovering from a long-term injury. Steve Kerr appears to be leaning even more into perimeter shooting this season, suggesting a player like Hawkins could be valuable in a rotational role.
Hawkins has averaged 8.0 points and 2.3 rebounds across 174 career games to his point. His best year remains his second where he averaged 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists, playing nearly 24 minutes a game in a prominent role off the bench for the Pelicans.
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