Henderson, Williams Trade Ideal for Both Sides

Zion Williamson’s time in New Orleans may be coming to an end.

Photo Credit: SB Nation

With the first pick already signed, sealed, and delivered to the commissioner for the 2023 NBA Draft, the biggest name spoken on this draft night might actually end up being a different first overall pick.

The New Orleans Pelicans have made it clear they want Scoot Henderson at the second or third pick, and this may mean moving on from a certain first pick of their own.

On one hand, the Hornets are leaning towards Brandon Miller in terms of fit (we cannot forget they were the four seed with a similar roster before falling all the way to the play-in tournament in 2021).

On the other hand, reports state that Damian Lillard wants to stay in Portland, introducing the likelihood of trading the third pick in order to surround Dame with as much talent as possible.

Enter Zion Williamson. Because there simply is not a package New Orleans could send to Charlotte to give up the pick (Charlotte prefers Brandon Ingram, a much better fit for New Orleans alongside the slashing Henderson than Williamson), they should be directing their attention to Portland.

One cannot help but entertain the possibility of a Zion-Dame partnership being one of the most offensively dominant duos in league history. The idea of taking Henderson at three is counterproductive, as the team is so guard-heavy with Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons actively integrating into the Portland system. Surrounding Zion with deadly perimeter players like Dame and the aforementioned guards (assuming Jerami Grant’s $31 million will be the contract sent back to New Orleans,) while also giving Dame more space, as attention has to be given to a Zion-infested interior, is mutually beneficial.

For New Orleans, the drama would suddenly evaporate and a core of Henderson (who is the second-best player in the draft and would be the first in most draft classes), Ingram, Grant, and CJ McCollum, as well as the rest of the Pelicans’ young core and Jonas Valanciunas, would guide the team in the right direction.

Let’s get this straight: the value of Henderson is weighty enough to warrant a Zion exit, even without what we know about the relationship between Williamson and New Orleans’s front office. Henderson is quick and strong with the ball, drawing defenders with his strong drive and tough finishing ability. His jump shot is rapidly improving, adding a deep threat to his already expanded package. He has the frame of a solid NBA defender, and the most important part about his game is his playmaking ability. As a ball handler, Henderson is methodical and calculated, but he can switch so quickly to his forceful driving that defenders cannot adjust. It is becoming more and more apparent that Henderson is a natural leader. Add Ingram and Grant to the mix and you have a lineup full of shooters and a new world of perimeter pressure.

Also, remember when Zion spent months rehabbing in Portland? Let us see this trade happen.