The Portland Trail Blazers have high hopes for point guard Scoot Henderson in the 2025-26 season. The former third-overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft has had an interesting first two seasons. His rookie year was muted, dotted with stops and starts that saw him move to the bench. He remained in a reserve role through most of his second season, picking up reps and consistency, particularly in his three-point shot. He’s expected to put it all together in his third try with the Blazers.
But what if that
doesn’t happen? That’s the premise of an article by Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley naming four players under 23 in the NBA who need a trade to rejuvenate their young careers. Buckley names Henderson as a prime candidate.
He explains:
As for Henderson’s individual hope, it’s hard to say for certain Portland is the best place for realizing it. It’s possible to spin the narrative that way. The Blazers became more competitive this past season, and they just added a pair of expert-level mentors for Henderson in Jrue Holiday and franchise icon Damian Lillard.
However, Portland’s ascension coincided with a role reduction for Henderson, who made fewer starts, logged less minutes and handled a smaller usage rate from his rookie season. And maybe the incoming veterans won’t be mentors as much as they’ll be replacements. The Blazers are surely looking for more than just leadership after taking on the remainder of Holiday’s contract (three years, $104.4 million), and it’s hard to picture them holding Lillard back should he rediscover his superstar form upon his return from an Achilles tear.
Buckley also cites Portland’s lack of three-point shooting as a particular drawback for their athletic, hard-driving guard:
Portland has helped Henderson elevate his floor, but it has also put obstacles in front of him that could make it challenging to push toward his ceiling there. And while the Blazers’ defensive focus has improved his play on that end, he needs to find a team that plays with more pace and has better spacing to bring out his best on offense.
Along with Henderson, Buckley’s other “under-23” candidates for trade are Sacramento Kings guard Devin Carter, Keyonte George of the Utah Jazz, and New Orleans Pelicans big Yves Missi.
