The winds of change are blowing through the FedExForum ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline. After a tumultuous few seasons marked by injuries, suspensions, and unmet expectations, the Memphis Grizzlies are now entertaining offers for their star guard, Ja Morant. Executive Vice President Zach Kleiman faces the daunting task of filling a massive rotational void and redefining the team’s identity—all while attempting to turn around a disappointing campaign.
In contrast, the Portland Trail Blazers are progressing ahead of schedule. They have shifted their focus to building around young talents Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe as foundational pieces, leaving Scoot Henderson somewhat out in the cold. This evolving dynamic is sparking a few intriguing conversations as the Trade Deadline approaches.
For Memphis, the solution to one crisis may lie in Portland’s surplus. Jaylen Wells exhibits qualities reminiscent of Jimmy Butler, but the second-year wing cannot be relied upon to be a primary playmaker. The same applies to rookie Cedric Coward. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey should anchor the starting frontcourt for the next several seasons, but losing Morant creates a vacuum—not only in scoring but also in paint pressure, rim attacks, and transition creation.
The Grizzlies do not need a caretaker point guard; they already have candidates for that role in Scotty Pippen Jr., Cam Spencer, and Vince Williams, who are better suited to running the second unit. What the team truly needs is a new engine to drive its offense.
Portland already has a potential engine sitting in pole position with Deni Avdija, backed by a promising reserve driver in Shaedon Sharpe. Down low, Toumani Camara, Donovan Clingan, and Yang Hansen provide the necessary torque to complement their wings. Additionally, the Blazers are beginning to hype up Damian Lillard’s highly anticipated return.
This context makes Scoot Henderson an especially compelling target for Memphis. The Grizzlies may have to settle for acquiring a young prospect—used, like a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle—rather than a shiny new future first-round pick when negotiating trades. Henderson remains one of the league’s most gifted pure athletes. The 21-year-old’s explosive first step, straight-line speed, and ability to collapse defenses are truly elite.
Henderson’s unique skill set changes the way opponents defend entire lineups, and Memphis has long been built around applying that kind of pressure. Morant’s rim attacks were the foundation of the Grizzlies’ strategy for years. Bringing in Henderson could offer a similar, albeit still developing, toolkit—important without the emotional baggage that comes with a major franchise star.
The mechanics of such a trade could work surprisingly well, and Memphis would retain significant salary cap flexibility for further roster upgrades. Reports indicate that Jerami Grant and Jrue Holiday are also on the trade block, both with contracts close to Morant’s salary.
Memphis could consider sending Brandon Clarke to Portland as a replacement power forward, giving the Blazers a versatile frontcourt piece who complements their young wings nicely.
If Morant’s departure is indeed imminent, the Grizzlies face a narrow window to reshape their franchise thoughtfully rather than scramble to replace what they will lose. Scoot Henderson is not a guaranteed star just yet, but in a league where elite athletic point guards are rarely available at a discount, he might be the closest opportunity Memphis has to turning the page without tearing the book in half.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/grizzlies-should-buy-low-scoot-henderson-before-ja-morant-jumps-ship-nba-trade-deadline-rumors
