As the Feb. 5 trade deadline inches closer, the Memphis Grizzlies are shaping up to be one of the most intriguing teams to watch. Not just because they’re sitting on potential trade chips - but because those chips are premium. According to the latest trade deadline big board, Memphis has not one, but two top-10 names in the mix: Ja Morant at No. 9 and Jaren Jackson Jr. taking the top spot.
And that brings us to Portland.
The Trail Blazers are in a fascinating spot. They’ve weathered a tough early-season schedule, battled through injuries, and still managed to hover around .500.
That’s no small feat for a team that’s retooling on the fly. With Deni Avdija playing at a high level and the team’s defensive identity starting to take shape, there’s a growing sense that they’re just one major piece away from making a legitimate postseason push.
Enter Jaren Jackson Jr.
If Portland’s front office is serious about accelerating the rebuild and turning the corner now - not two or three years from now - then JJJ is exactly the kind of player who warrants bold moves. And yes, that includes putting former No. 3 overall pick Scoot Henderson on the table.
Let’s be clear: Scoot is just 21 and still has the potential to be a high-level lead guard in this league. But the Blazers’ recent success without him, combined with his lingering hamstring injury and the expected return of Damian Lillard next season, makes it fair to at least reconsider his long-term role in Portland’s plans.
For Memphis, the calculus is different. If the Grizzlies decide it’s time to move on from Morant - whether due to off-court concerns, injury history, or a desire to reset around their younger core - then trading Jackson could be the next logical step. And in that scenario, Scoot Henderson becomes a compelling piece to build around.
There’s some stylistic overlap between Morant and Henderson - both are explosive downhill guards who thrive in transition and can collapse defenses. That similarity could allow the Grizzlies to maintain their current offensive structure without a full teardown. Add in young, promising talents like Cedric Coward, Zach Edey, and Jaylen Wells, and you’ve got the makings of a new era in Memphis - one that’s younger, cheaper, and potentially more stable.
Financially, Henderson is on a rookie-scale deal, which makes him a more manageable asset compared to Morant’s max contract. He’s also had far fewer off-court distractions. For a team looking to retool rather than rebuild, that matters.
Of course, any potential deal would hinge on the other pieces involved. Portland would need to match salary and likely sweeten the pot with draft capital. But if the end result is pairing Jaren Jackson Jr. - a 26-year-old All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year candidate - with a core that includes Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, and a returning Lillard, that’s a team that can make noise in the West right now.
This isn’t about giving up on Scoot. It’s about recognizing value when it’s available - and Jaren Jackson Jr. is the kind of player who doesn’t hit the market often. If Memphis is truly open for business, and if Portland is serious about taking the next step, this is a conversation worth having.
Scoot Henderson has a bright future. But Jaren Jackson Jr. might just be the piece that changes Portland’s present.