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NBA Draft rumors: Pelicans, Jazz, Pacers looking to trade up for Scoot, Whitmore

ByScott Rogust|
Nov 29, 2021; Stockton, CA, USA; G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson (0) dribbles during the third quarter against the Stockton Kings at Stockton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2021; Stockton, CA, USA; G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson (0) dribbles during the third quarter against the Stockton Kings at Stockton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
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Scoot Henderson, NBA Draft rumors, Pelicans
Scoot Henderson. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

NBA Draft rumors: Pelicans looking to trade up for Scoot Henderson

The 2023 NBA Draft takes place on Thursday, June 22. The first-overall pick is a foregone conclusion, as Victor Wembanyama is expected to be selected by the San Antonio Spurs. The NBA Draft will officially begin with the second-overall pick if the Charlotte Hornets opt to trade down. If not, then the No. 3 pick, which is held by the Portland Trail Blazers, will be one to keep an eye on.

It appears that there are numerous teams dead-set on trading.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the New Orleans Pelicans are expected to ā€œaggressively pursue a top pickā€ to select NBA G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson.

Charania notes that the Hornets have held a workout with Alabama wing Brandon Miller on Sunday, and will hold a workout for Henderson this Tuesday. From there, the Hornets will ā€œsolidify their draft boardā€ later this week.

For the Pelicans to move up, Charania and William Guillory of The Athletic note in an article (subscription required) that they would have to ā€œgive up a large package of picks and/or young players or offer up one of its young stars.ā€

New Orleans holds the 14th overall pick, their only selection in this year’s NBA Draft. So, they would have to trade multiple future assets or players for a team like the Hornets to punt at the chance of selecting Henderson or Miller.

This season, Henderson averaged 16.5 points, 6.8 assists, and 5.3 rebounds while posting a 42.9 field goal percentage in 19 games played (18 starts).

It would be a bold strategy for the Pelicans to move up from the No. 14 spot to land the No. 2 pick, so let’s see if it pays off for them.