Scoot Henderson has become an afterthought in the Trail Blazers rebuild. He's currently eligible for an extension, meaning it could be in Portland's best interest to trade him at the deadline if they are set on moving forward without him.
That's why last season was viewed as a make-or-break season for Henderson, as it was the last opportunity to earn the keys to the backcourt. Even with Shaedon Sharpe out for at least six months with a torn meniscus, Henderson will have difficulty earning anything other than an off-ball role. He's still behind Deni Avdija, Damian Lillard, Ja Morant, and Jrue Holiday in the pecking order as an offensive initiator.
Portland bringing in Morant signals a lack of confidence in their long-term solution at the position already on the roster. And with Henderson finding it increasingly difficult to carve out a role despite his individual progress, it could ultimately be in both parties' best interests to part ways.
Potential landing spots for Blazers' Scoot Henderson
If the Blazers were to take that route before February's trade deadline, they likely wouldn't have any difficulty in finding a trade partner. A former No. 3 overall pick who is just 22 years old and gradually improving thanks to an elite work ethic? Makes you wonder why Portland isn't prioritizing him more in the first place.
On the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie of The Athletic floated a handful of potential landing spots for Henderson to get a fresh start: the Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, and Detroit Pistons.
Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies
The Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies were named as teams in need of a long-term lead guard. Portland took a buy-low flier, hoping Morant would benefit from a change of scenery; could Memphis do the same with Henderson?
Henderson may not have met his draft expectations, but he has shown flashes of that star ceiling still existing somewhere within. He even strung together three consecutive strong playoff games against the San Antonio Spurs, showing an upside worth investing in (more than Portland currently is).
Golden State Warriors
Vecenie likes the Golden State Warriors for Henderson as a team that suddenly lacks high-upside youth. Stephen Curry is 38 years old, and as much as head coach Steve Kerr may want him to be with his questionable rotations, Brandin Podziemski is not next in line to wear the crown.
Henderson may not be either, but it can't hurt to bring in multiple options in hopes of one panning out -- similar to the approach Portland took this summer with the Morant deal.
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are another team that had an underwhelming offseason as they failed to surround Cade Cunningham with that secondary creator he still needs. Say what you will about Henderson, but he would provide an immediate upgrade over rookie Ebuka Okorie for that role.
Detroit will struggle to hold onto the top spot in an Eastern Conference that's rapidly improving. They could at least take a chance on Henderson, who would fit well alongside Cunningham thanks to an improved 3-and-D game.
That expanding skill set should allow Henderson to contribute as a role player in Portland, though he'll have difficulty being much more than that unless he takes a bet on himself elsewhere.
Whether Henderson requests out or the Blazers no longer deem him part of this young core, a breakup has become an increasingly realistic possibility this offseason. With Portland forced to decide soon on his next contract, these are teams in need of a backcourt upgrade to monitor as potential landing spots.
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