The New Orleans Pelicans currently hold the 14th pick in the NBA Draft, but reports say they may be looking to make a splash. The organization wants to move into at least the top three to acquire G-League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson. After losing in the Play-In Tournament this postseason, it’s clear the Pelicans want a new sense of direction and believe Henderson is their guy. Obviously, to vault into the top three, the compensation package would have to be significant.
NBA Rumor: The Pelicans Have Their Eyes on Scoot Henderson
Western Conference playoff contender seriously pursuing a top 2-3 pick in this month’s NBA Draft, with eyes on point guard Scoot Henderson: pic.twitter.com/UFCs9VEU7Q
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 12, 2023
The second and third picks of the draft are held by the Charlotte Hornets and Portland Trailblazers, respectively. Two teams seeming uncertain of how to use their top selections could bode well for New Orleans. With LaMelo Ball already on the roster, Charlotte seems to be higher on Alabama’s Brandon Miller. Miller could be a better roster fit, but does that really justify passing up Henderson?
On the other hand, Portland has many questions surrounding its future with Damian Lillard. Do they use the third pick, getting the best guy on the board to pair with Lillard? Could they package the pick with an established guy on the roster to get another star? What if they just trade Lillard and start over?
With both organizations not knowing what to do, the Pelicans can swoop in and steal one of the top three picks.
No. 3: Portland Trailblazers
This pick comes with a little more risk if you’re New Orleans. There’s no uncertainty with Victor Wembanyama going number one to San Antonio. Charlotte, however, could go with either Henderson or Miller. Trading up to three means you would have to be certain Charlotte is going to select Miller so that Henderson falls into your lap.
Potential Trade:
New Orleans Pelicans receive: No. 3 Pick, Anfernee Simons
Portland Trailblazers receive: Brandon Ingram
This is a deal that benefits both sides tremendously. New Orleans gets a new, shiny backcourt of Henderson and Simons to pair with Zion Williamson. Without Ingram, Williamson can dominate the ball in the halfcourt, and the two guards can play a faster pace together in transition. The Pelicans also get to move off Ingram’s $33 million contract in favor of Simons’ longer, less expensive deal. For Portland, Lillard gets a 6-foot-8 wing scorer to bolster the offense instead of being lined up alongside another guard. The Blazers also still have enough money to polish off the rest of their roster by bringing back Jerami Grant or signing someone new like Kristaps Porzingis, Caris LeVert, or others to add more scoring.
While this deal benefits New Orleans, it’s no guarantee they will get to secure Henderson. It is contingent upon what Charlotte does before them, so why not explore getting the Hornets pick?
No. 2: Charlotte Hornets
With this pick, New Orleans would be able to secure Henderson without fear of him being off the board by the time they pick. Charlotte does not seem interested in this point to move off the pick, but they could be persuaded if the price is right.
Potential Trade:
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: No.3 Pick, Gordon Hayward
Charlotte Hornet Receive: Brandon Ingram, Garrett Temple, No. 14 Pick
This is a trade that could go many different ways. Maybe New Orleans is more likely to give up CJ McCollum than Ingram, or maybe Temple isn’t enough, and they have to give up Herbert Jones, Trey Murphy III, or Dyson Daniels (or any combination of the three). At the end of the day, Charlotte gets an opportunity to bring in elite wing scoring and a veteran presence in Temple while moving off Hayward’s huge expiring contract. They are also no longer faced with choosing between Henderson and Miller and avoid making the wrong choice.
New Orleans Will Tell Us the Value of Scoot
A package to acquire Charlotte’s pick is going to be much heftier than one to get Portland’s. It just depends on how much David Griffin and the Pelicans value Scoot Henderson. If they’re willing to sell more to secure him, they’ll deal with Charlotte. If they think Charlotte is going with Miller and are not interested in giving up more assets, they’ll trade with Portland. Lots of speculation will occur between now and draft night on June 22nd, but New Orleans will try to get one of these teams to bite.
