Blazers Let Scoot Henderson's Extension Deadline Pass

The Portland Trail Blazers will bypass a rookie-contract extension with Scoot Henderson, who was selected with the No. 3 pick in the 2023 NBA draft, making him a restricted free agent next summer, as reported by Chris Haynes. The deadline was 6 p.m. ET on Monday, Oct. 19.

Brandon Miller, another member of the 2023 draft class, finalized a five-year, $209 million deal with the Charlotte Hornets. Miller was selected one pick before Henderson.

Henderson is one of 23 first-round draft picks from that class and the only top-five pick to start the season without a contract extension.

It isn't hard to find reasons why Henderson wasn't given a payday. His availability comes to mind. Henderson has played just 158 of a possible 246 regular-season games in his career with the Trail Blazers. 

The backcourt is also crowded after Ja Morant's arrival. Morant, Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday are all expected to be big contributors for the Blazers.

Shaedon Sharpe, another member of that backcourt, is expected to return from his torn lateral meniscus in his right knee after the All-Star break. Sharpe was given his extension last fall. He is entering the second year of his four-year, $90 million deal.

Henderson's production can be compared to that of a seismograph. He has been on and off the court seemingly his whole career, and his production has been dicey. After returning from a hamstring injury last season, he averaged 14.2 points and 3.7 assists on 41.8% shooting, with 35.2% from 3-point range. His numbers increased a bit during the first round of the playoffs, averaging 15.0 points and shooting 46.4% from behind the arc, but the sample size is too small.

This isn't necessarily the Blazers announcing that they are giving up on Henderson. General manager Joe Cronin has described Henderson as a high priority for the franchise. If another team offers Henderson a contract next summer, Portland can match it.

For Henderson, entering his fourth season in the league gives him an extra incentive to go out and perform. The minutes behind a deep group of established guards will make it tougher, but if he's healthy and efficient, he could earn his paycheck.

That pressure goes both ways. If he plays well, his price goes up, and the Trail Blazers will have to decide whether to match an offer. If he struggles or gets hurt again, Portland will be pleased with waiting.

The question of whether the Blazers ducked that conversation is only on hold. It will come back next summer, with a lot more information.