NBA Injury and Trade Rumor Roundup: Pelicans Shut Down Morant Buzz, Scoot Nears Return, Haliburton Eyes 2026-27
Let’s take a lap around the league and break down some key updates from New Orleans, Portland, and Indiana - from trade chatter to injury comebacks that could shape how these teams approach the rest of the season and beyond.
Pelicans Dismiss Morant Rumors, Focused on Future at Point Guard
There’s been some noise lately suggesting Ja Morant could be a trade target for the Pelicans. That idea, however, has been firmly shut down.
According to league sources, New Orleans has no interest in pursuing Morant, and the rumor tying him to a package involving Jordan Poole and Dejounte Murray has been labeled “completely false.” The Pelicans reportedly view Jeremiah Fears as their long-term solution at point guard - a clear sign they’re committed to building from within at that position.
That doesn’t mean the Pelicans are standing pat, though. Both Poole and Murray remain names to watch as the trade deadline approaches.
There’s a growing sense around the league that New Orleans is open to moving at least one of them. Murray’s camp, in particular, is said to be open to a fresh start, which could open the door for a deal if the right opportunity presents itself.
So while Morant isn’t walking through the door in New Orleans, the Pelicans’ backcourt could still look different in the near future.
Scoot Henderson Closing In on Return for Blazers
In Portland, there’s some optimism brewing - and it centers around Scoot Henderson.
The third-year guard is in the final stages of recovery from a left hamstring tear and has started participating in full-contact practices. Interim head coach Tiago Splitter confirmed Henderson is now cleared for some contact work and is “feeling well after practice.” While there’s no official return date yet, all signs point to him being close.
The injury, originally expected to sideline Henderson for four to eight weeks, stretched well beyond that timeline - a reminder of how tricky hamstring issues can be, especially for explosive guards like Scoot. But nearly four months later, the Blazers are finally nearing the light at the end of the tunnel.
Before the injury, Henderson had started to find his rhythm late last season, putting up 14.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.1 rebounds over his final 35 games, while showing improved efficiency. Portland’s front office will be watching closely - he’s eligible for a rookie-scale extension this summer, and how he finishes this season could shape those negotiations.
Meanwhile, Blake Wesley is also trending in the right direction after foot surgery. He had carved out a reliable bench role before going down, and his return could give Portland another steady hand in the rotation. Like Henderson, Wesley is facing a pivotal offseason - he’s set to enter unrestricted free agency.
Haliburton Making Strides, Targeting 2026-27 Return
In Indiana, Tyrese Haliburton is back on the court - not in games yet, but in full-contact scrimmages as he works his way back from an Achilles tear.
The Pacers star shared an update on LeBron James’ Mind the Game podcast, saying he’s approaching week 31 of his rehab and feeling good. “My body feels really good,” Haliburton said, though he acknowledged the comeback hasn’t been without its humbling moments.
“First play, Bennedict Mathurin comes down, hesi, shoots a three,” he recalled. “He hesi’d me one time.
He was at the rim, I was still at the three-point line. I was like, ‘Ohhh.’
I still got some time.”
Indiana ruled Haliburton out for the season months ago, so there’s no expectation he’ll return before training camp. But his progress is encouraging - not just for the Pacers, but for fans hoping to see him return to All-Star form in 2026-27.
Bottom Line
New Orleans is staying the course with its young point guard plan, Portland may be getting a key piece back soon, and Indiana is playing the long game with its franchise cornerstone. No blockbuster moves yet, but the groundwork is being laid - and the ripple effects could be felt well into next season.