Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson is a sneaky trade candidate ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season. The team's deep backcourt and Henderson's expiring rookie contract make him a likely piece to move, especially after a season that ended with a 114-95 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on April 29, 2026.
Why is Scoot Henderson a trade candidate?
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report identified Henderson as a potential trade piece. He pointed to Portland's crowded guard rotation and the easy-to-move nature of Henderson's deal, which has just one year left. Henderson averaged 14.2 points, 3.7 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in 24.9 minutes per game last season. But his playing time has actually decreased over his first three years with the Blazers.
Ja Morant, Damian Lillard, and veteran Jrue Holiday are all ahead of him on the depth chart. The team also needs to find minutes for wing Shaedon Sharpe, who put up a career-high 20.8 points per game last season. With the Blazers' recent form showing just one win in their last five games (LLLWL), exploring roster changes is a logical step. You can track the team's upcoming schedule on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
Which teams could trade for Henderson?
Swartz named three specific teams as possible destinations for the former No. 3 overall pick. The Dallas Mavericks are looking for young stars to pair with Cooper Flagg. The Memphis Grizzlies make sense as a trade partner now that Morant is in Portland. And the Golden State Warriors could be a sneaky spot for Henderson to back up Stephen Curry.
For any interested team, Henderson represents a low-risk gamble. He's still on his rookie-scale contract, so a team could explore his upside without a major financial commitment. His athleticism and potential as a playmaker remain attractive assets for a squad willing to give him a bigger role.
Could a fresh start benefit Henderson?
There was massive hype around Henderson entering the 2023 NBA Draft. Some even thought he could go first overall ahead of Victor Wembanyama. While he's shown flashes, he hasn't fully met the expectations of a top-three pick. He started only 52 games total in his first three NBA seasons.
Given the logjam in Portland's backcourt, his minutes aren't likely to increase soon. A change of scenery could provide the consistent opportunity he needs to develop. Playing for a team that can offer him a defined, significant role might unlock the talent that made him such a coveted prospect. The Blazers, meanwhile, could use a trade to address other needs on their roster as they look to improve from a tough end to last season.
