Why the Grizzlies should trade low for Scoot Henderson before Ja Morant jumps ship

The winds of change are blowing through the FedExForum before NBA trade deadline. After several tumultuous seasons defined by injuries, suspensions and unfulfilled expectations, The Memphis Grizzlies are entertaining offers for Ja Morant. EVP Zach Kleiman is simultaneously trying to fill a huge void in the rotation and redefine an identity all at the same time during a disappointing campaign. Compare that with before the Portland Trail Blazers deadline. They shifted focus to Danny Avdia and Shaedon Sharpe as foundation pieces, leaving Scott Henderson out in the cold.

It is a dynamic that leads to a some interesting conversations before the NBA trade deadline. For Memphis, the solution to a crisis may lie in Portland’s surplus. Jalen Wells has Jimmy Butler qualities, but the second-year wing can’t be asked to set the table. The same goes for rookie Cedric Coward. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey should be the starting frontcourt for the next three and a half seasons.

The loss of Morant leaves a vacuum not only in scoring, but also in paint pressure, attacking the rim and creating transitions. Memphis doesn’t need a point guard. The Grizzlies already have that at home. However, Scottie Pippen Jr., Cam Spencer and Vince Williams are better suited to run the second unit. This team needs a new engine. Portland already has one pole position (Avdia), with an excellent backup driver available (Sharp). Toumani Camara, Donovan Clingan and Iang Hansen provide low-end torque.

Oh, the Blazers are starting hype up Damian Lillard’s return likewise. That’s why Henderson is such a compelling target. The Grizzlies may have to settle for a young prospect (used, CPO) instead of a future first-round pick (new, showroom floor) when shopping around. Scoot remains one of the league’s most gifted pure athletes. The 21-year-old’s first step, straight-line speed and ability to break down defenses are elite.

Henderson’s threats change the way opponents defend entire lineups, and Memphis has been built around that stress point for years. Morant’s pressure on the rim was the foundation of everything the Grizzlies did. The move brings in someone who offers a similar, if still unfinished, tool without the emotional baggage.

The mechanics could work surprisingly well, and the Grizzlies would have plenty of room for other upgrades. Jerami Grant and Jrue Holiday are reportedly on the trade block, and their contracts are close to Morant’s salary. Memphis can ship Brandon Clarke to Portland as a trade for a power forward, giving the Blazers a versatile frontcourt piece to complement their young wings.

If Morant is indeed on his way out, the Grizzlies have a narrow window to reshape their franchise instead of scrambling to replace him. Scoot Henderson isn’t a sure thing, but in a league where an elite athletic point guard rarely comes available at a discount, he might be the closest Memphis will come to turning the page without ripping the book in half.