What happened: New Orleans sends Jordan Hawkins, Micah Peavy and multiple second-round assets to Memphis for Johnson and Taj Gibson. His path since February 2025 has run through Washington, Dallas and Memphis before Tuesday's move.
Why it matters: Johnson enters his third NBA season on a fifth franchise, limiting continuity as he pursues a rotation role. Memphis adds two perimeter players before training camp.
By the numbers: Johnson's four trades came over 579 days: Feb. 6, 2025; Feb. 5, 2026; July 8, 2026; and Sept. 8, 2026.
What to watch: Training camp will show whether Johnson can earn regular backcourt minutes in New Orleans.