NBA Rumor Mill: Pelicans Shop Hawkins, Kuminga Eyes Hawks Return, and the Inexplicable Mario Hezonja Revival
Offseason intel from @thesteinline, @jakelfischer
The NBA offseason rumor mill is spinning, and it is producing the exact kind of chaotic group-chat fodder we live for. Marc Stein and Jake Fischer just dropped a fresh batch of intel that includes a potential Jordan Hawkins trade, Jonathan Kuminga negotiating his own return, and the sudden, inexplicable resurrection of Mario Hezonja.
Let's start with the actively shopping Jordan Hawkins. The are reportedly involved in the discussions. Hawkins is currently averaging 5.1 points and 1.7 rebounds, which are the kind of numbers that usually get you a polite nod in the hallway, not a bidding war. But Memphis clearly sees something in the 24-year-old shooting guard, maybe hoping a change of scenery cures a recent string of back issues and illnesses that kept him off the floor.
Then we have the , who are apparently looking across the Atlantic and deciding Mario Hezonja is the missing piece. Yes, that Mario Hezonja. The guy who averaged 6.9 points over his NBA career before packing his bags for Real Madrid. Cleveland kicking the tires on a guy who hasn't played meaningful NBA minutes in years is the exact kind of front-office galaxy-brain move that makes you question if they accidentally sorted their scouting database by 2015 draft hype.
Finally, Jonathan Kuminga is reportedly open to returning to the on a short-term deal. Kuminga put up a respectable 12.2 points and 5.6 boards recently, but his knee has been acting up like a vintage sports car all spring. A short-term prove-it deal makes sense for a guy trying to rebuild his market value, especially after earlier rumors had him linked to half the league, including the and .
For anyone looking at the futures market, these are the fringe moves that quietly swing rotation minutes and regular-season win totals. A healthy Kuminga gives a massive athletic boost in the frontcourt, while adding Hawkins could give them some cheap perimeter depth if his back holds up.
We will see if the Pelicans actually pull the trigger on a Hawkins deal before the market dries up. Until then, keep your notifications on, because if Mario Hezonja is getting NBA contract offers in 2026, absolutely anything is on the table.