One NBA writer is proposing that the New Orleans Pelicans and Charlotte Hornets make a trade to shake up the 2023 NBA Draft.
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report proposed that the Pelicans send the 14th overall pick in the 2023 draft, a first-round pick in 2027, Trey Murphy III and Dyson Daniels to the Hornets for the second overall pick and Coby Martin.
Swartz then has the Pelicans selecting Scoot Henderson with the second pick.
“Henderson is a dynamic guard who would immediately join a starting lineup that features CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson and Jonas Valančiūnas,” Swartz wrote. “The Pelicans would become a lock to reach the West playoffs if Williamson is healthy and realistically compete for homecourt advantage in the first round. While the team’s overall defense and depth takes a hit, the chance to add a talent like Henderson is worth it.
NBA DRAFT NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Scoot Henderson, New Orleans Pelicans & Charlotte Hornets Updates
“For a Charlotte team that may have been concerned with the fit between Henderson and LaMelo Ball anyways, this is a great return. The Hornets still get to make a lottery pick in this draft and add what could be an extremely valuable pick with Milwaukee’s 2027 unprotected selection. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s current contract ends as early as 2025, with a player option for the 2025-26 season.
“Charlotte also gets Murphy, the 22-year-old forward who averaged 14.5 points and shot 40.6 percent from three last season and Daniels, the No. 8 overall pick from last year who at 6’8″ would create a supersized backcourt next to Ball.”
NBA DRAFT NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Scoot Henderson, New Orleans Pelicans & Charlotte Hornets Updates
The Pelicans are open to trading Zion Williamson if they can move up in the draft and select Henderson, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. New Orleans is less inclined to consider trading Ingram in the same scenario.
Williamson has only appeared in 114 out of possible 308 regular-season games since being drafted by the Pelicans with the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Duke.
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