Scoot Henderson, a dynamic former top-3 pick, could be Sacramento's next star point guard if a surprising trade materializes.
If there was anything that the Sacramento Kings could boast about from 2017-2025, it was point guard play.
Sacramento selected a pair of eventual 2-time All-Star floor generals in De'Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton in 2017 and 2020, respectively. However, the latter was dealt to the Indiana Pacers halfway through his second season, and the former was traded to the San Antonio Spurs at the 2025 trade deadline.
Both have gone on to become two of the best point guards in the entire NBA, and Haliburton was one game away from being crowned an NBA champion the likely Finals MVP in 2025.
In the summer of 2026, the Kings could be on the prowl for their next star PG.
Several options could become available via trade, but Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz recently suggested an unconventional target who's been up-and-down through his first 3 seasons, to say the least.
"Selected at No. 3 overall in 2023 to be the heir to Damian Lillard with the Portland Trail Blazers, Scoot Henderson still has yet to earn the role of a full-time starter," Swartz wrote.
"Henderson is one of the most athletic point guards in the NBA. He has a chiseled, 6'3" frame that should be able to make a career of getting into the paint and to the free-throw line."
"A trade could be best for all involved, as teams like the Sacramento Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves still need franchise point guards."
The notion that the Portland Trail Blazers' Scoot Henderson can become a franchise guy with new surroundings might be overblown, though he's reminded the NBA world why Portland took him with the No. 3 overall pick in 2023 as of late.
Henderson missed the first 51 games of his third season due to a left hamstring tear, but his explosive athleticism and newfound patience as a passer has been on full display since his return on Feb. 6.
His efficiency is down, but the 22-year-old is averaging 13.2 points and 4.2 assists on a 48.3% effective field goal percentage in his first 14 games.
On March 8., Henderson authored a statement performance against the Indiana Pacers with a 28-point, 6-assist night on 10-for-15 shooting from the field, turning a few heads in the process.
The uber-athletic guard has shown flashes, but the Blazers appear to be headed in another direction with their current group of prospects and developmental successes, such as Shaedon Sharpe, Toumani Camara and others.
Appearing to be the odd-man-out, Henderson's stock on the trade market will be something to monitor, especially for a Kings group hoping to land another star play-maker.
Sacramento's draft pottery position matters plenty in the Henderson discussion, as the hypothetical introduction of the University of Kansas' Darryn Peterson would throw a wrench in those plans.
If the Kings are unable to put their eggs in the basket of an incoming rookie guard, Portland might receive a call or two from the destitute franchise to gauge Henderson's price.
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