Portland’s new guard logjam may have just created a Dallas opening.
After the Memphis Grizzlies sent Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, the Blazers suddenly found themselves with a crowded backcourt and only so many minutes to hand out. Morant is now in the mix with a returning Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, leaving Portland with five guards for two starting spots.
That kind of squeeze is exactly the sort of situation another team can exploit, and the Mavericks fit the bill.
Scoot Henderson is the most obvious name to watch if Portland decides to make a move. The 22-year-old, the No. 3 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, brings burst, creation and real upside off the dribble.
Last season, he posted 14.1 points and 5.8 assists while working in a reduced role, and a hamstring injury limited his availability. He also flashed what he can do when given room to operate in Game 2 against the Spurs in the playoffs, when Victor Wembanyama left early with a concussion.
Henderson went off for 31 points on 11-of-17 shooting, hit 5 of 9 from 3-point range and helped erase a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit in a road win. That night made him the youngest player in franchise history to score 30 points in a playoff game.
But with Morant, Lillard and Holiday all ahead of him, Portland does not look like a team set up to give Henderson the starting job he’s earned.
Shaedon Sharpe is another piece worth monitoring. The 22-year-old led Portland in scoring last season, averaging 19.8 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 38.4% from 3-point range.
His game as a shot-creating wing who can attack closeouts and stretch the floor would make sense next to Cooper Flagg on both ends. But Morant’s arrival makes Sharpe’s place in Portland even less certain than it was before.
Dallas has the sort of assets that could get Portland’s attention. Klay Thompson is on an expiring contract, P.J.
Washington is available in trade talks and the Mavericks also have a $20.8 million trade exception. Portland, meanwhile, could use salary flexibility and veteran depth around Morant and Deni Avdija.
The match is there, and the opportunity is open. Dallas should be on the phone.
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