AJ Johnson joins the New Orleans Pelicans from the Memphis Grizzlies, confirmed by the official roster on Tuesday, Sep 8, after a Shams Charania report on a four-player trade between the two clubs. The 21-year-old guard, who averaged 3.3 points in 9.4 minutes last season, carries a two-year deal worth $3.2 million and $5.5 million as the Pelicans' payroll sits above the luxury tax.
The move
AJ Johnson, a 21-year-old guard entering his second NBA season, joins the New Orleans Pelicans after leaving the Memphis Grizzlies, according to the official roster as of Tuesday, Sep 8. The move follows a report from Shams Charania on Tuesday, Sep 8, titled "Pelicans, Grizzlies Agree To Four-Player Trade," carrying 90 percent confidence, describing a four-player deal between New Orleans and Memphis that sent Johnson to the Pelicans.
The money
Johnson is on the books for $3.2 million in 2026-27 and $5.5 million in 2027-28. New Orleans carries a payroll of $202.2 million across 18 contracts for 2026-27, above the luxury tax line. The salary cap sits at $165.0 million, the tax line at $200.4 million, the first apron at $209.0 million and the second apron at $221.7 million for the season.
The fit
Johnson averaged 3.3 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 9.4 minutes over 48 games last season. New Orleans' rotation at guard last season included Trey Murphy III at 35.5 minutes and 21.5 points, Dejounte Murray at 27.8 minutes and 16.7 points, and Jeremiah Fears at 25.8 minutes and 14.3 points, with Herbert Jones logging 28.4 minutes and 8.9 points on the wing. The Pelicans now carry 20 players on the roster, against a standard limit of 15 plus three two-way spots.
Why did AJ Johnson move to New Orleans?
The official roster confirmed on Tuesday, Sep 8 that Johnson left the Memphis Grizzlies for the Pelicans, following a report from Shams Charania on a four-player trade between the two clubs, at 90 percent confidence.
What is Johnson's contract with the Pelicans?
Johnson is set to earn $3.2 million in 2026-27 and $5.5 million in 2027-28, based on the contract on file.
How does Johnson fit into New Orleans' backcourt?
He averaged 3.3 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 9.4 minutes over 48 games last season, joining a Pelicans roster that already lists Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray and Jeremiah Fears in the backcourt and wing rotation, and now carries 20 players against a standard limit of 15 plus three two-way spots.