Scoot Henderson is starting to look like the odd man out in Portland, one of the few shady spots in what has otherwise been an incredibly bright start to the season for the Trail Blazers. Henderson is set to hit restricted free agency after the season after Portland didn't reach a rookie-scale extension -- a decision that looks even better after his rough start.
GM Joe Cronin could proactively try to get ahead of what could become a messy RFA dilemma, especially given how difficult Henderson is to invest in because of his volatility. Here are four Scoot trades that make sense for the Blazers to explore before February's deadline:
1. Blazers swap for Clippers' Rui Hachimura
The Los Angeles Clippers need a team to bail them out of the mess they've gotten into after the league punished them for the Kawhi Leonard cap situation. They already have Darius Garland and Keaton Wagler in the backcourt, but they need to add as many high-upside assets as they can. Henderson could also fit off the bench, filling in at both guard spots thanks to the off-ball role he's played more in Portland lately.
Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura gives Portland shooting and wing depth, two things they could still use despite the hot start to the season. Hachimura is restricted and can't be dealt until Dec. 15. Another more immediate solution is high-flyer Derrick Jones Jr. But Hachimura might be worth the wait, as he's a more seamless fit with his shooting. Plus, the Blazers risk a half-season rental with Jones, whereas Hachimura has a team option for next season.
2. Blazers push for Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III
Portland may have to dip into some of the Milwaukee Bucks' valuable future draft capital to close the deal. Including Yang Hansen instead of, say, Micah Potter or Branden Carlson could potentially convince New Orleans otherwise, given their dire need for a long-term center.
Ultimately, it comes down to how much the Pelicans like Henderson and how willing they are to part ways with key pieces like Trey Murphy III. They maintained a steep asking price last season, but maybe this year finally serves as a reality check on where they actually stand in the Western Conference.
For the Blazers, it's a delicate balance: they need to add more star power to contend but don't want to derail the momentum of this hot start. Murphy fits the bill as one of the most seamless additions to any roster thanks to his two-way impact without the ball. Unfortunately, that could also drive up New Orleans' asking price, with Murphy a coveted trade target around the league.
If it's ultimately too steep, Herb Jones is another two-way wing who may be a bit cheaper and still achieve much of the same, albeit with a downgrade on offense.
3. Blazers steal Dillon Brooks, Suns finally get long-term point guard
The Phoenix Suns' slow start to the season seems to be leading to frustration, particularly when it comes to their lack of a true point guard. Phoenix, like the Clippers, is hurting for future draft picks and may be inclined to take a flyer on Henderson as a potential long-term answer at point guard. He hasn't shown that in Portland, but he could benefit from a change of scenery where he can initiate more of the offense, which would be the case in Phoenix.
Meanwhile, the Blazers can add some more physicality on the wing by bringing in the villain Dillon Brooks. Guard Jalen Green has been brought up as the one Phoenix would potentially like to flip for a point guard. However, that's a disastrous fit in the backcourt that's working better than expected in Portland.
Brooks is that defensive-minded wing piece they could still use come playoff time. It's also worth noting that Brooks is restricted until Feb. 8, making him still eligible to be moved before the deadline. Suns owner Mat Ishbia has previously made a firm public trade stance on Brooks, but that stance may change after an underwhelming year and a bleak future in Phoenix.
4. Naz Reid.
The previously mentioned options were all wings. But what about using Henderson as a trade chip as an upgrade for stretch big Micah Potter? Naz Reid has already come up in trade rumors with the rebuilding Charlotte Hornets and would be a great fit in Portland's frontcourt.
He's capable of spacing the floor as a power forward alongside Donovan Clingan or Robert Williams III, or even playing the five to spell them for stretches when needed. It's that frontcourt versatility that Portland had in mind when they signed Potter as added depth, though Reid would take that to an entirely different level.
Portland may have to attach a first-round pick here given Henderson and Reid trending in opposite directions to start the season. But the Blazers can afford to give up a first for someone of his caliber. Few bigs in the league have Reid's skill set and versatility, and it would give head coach Micah Nori a lot more to work with as far as frontcourt rotations go.
Ultimately, Portland moving Henderson for a wing will likely achieve the best roster balance. But with Reid's guard-like skill set, an exception could easily be made.
Add us as a preferred source on Google