The Washington Wizards failed to extend Bilal Coulibaly before the deadline, and trading him for Scoot Henderson solves multiple problems for both teams. Washington has a glut of wings. Will Riley can barely see the floor, and Coulibaly is no longer a lock to stay long-term. The Wizards also need another ball-handler and shot creator. This trade could be ideal for both parties.
The Blazers have too many guards with Damian Lillard, Ja Morant, and Jrue Holiday joining Scoot. Henderson’s minutes are down for the third straight year, and he didn’t receive an extension. Portland should be looking for a backup wing to play behind Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara. Coulibaly’s defense would shine, and his shot-making might improve playing off multiple elite creators.
This could be a win-win trade. The Wizards and Blazers are both chasing the playoffs and could plug holes with this move. Washington would be taking an upside swing on a former number three overall pick. Scoot has shown flashes, but the Wizards would still have to extend him.
Scoot Henderson gives Wizards another dynamic guard
Henderson is struggling to make shots this season as he plays out of position. He is used to having the ball in his hands and being featured. Portland just has too many other guards.
The 22-year-old averaged 14.2 points, 3.7 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.9 steals in 24.9 minutes per game last season. He shot 35.2 percent from 3-point range and helped the Blazers make the playoffs. Henderson hasn’t lived up to the star potential from draft night, but he is a quality shot creator, floor spacer, and bucket-getter.
The Wizards are 23rd in offensive rating and need someone to lighten Trae Young’s workload. Young is averaging 8.9 assists per game. Kyshawn George chips in 5.3 of his own. No other Wizards player is averaging more than 2.3 dimes per game.
Washington needs more ball-handling, playmaking, and shot creation. Scoot solves those issues and gets a chance to be featured on a young roster. It would also give the Wizards a shot to better balance their roster.
Wizards would be wise to trade from glut of wings
Washington is prioritizing George and number one overall draft pick AJ Dybantsa on the wing. They are starting and playing over 30 minutes per game. That is the Wizards' future on the wings.
They still have Coulibaly, Tre Johnson, Bub Carrington, Will Riley, and Khris Middleton fighting for minutes. The Wizards have even more depth when Justin Champagnie returns from a foot injury after the All-Star break. Washington can’t play all of these options and could get value if they trade someone to plug a hole in their roster.
Coulibaly feels like the obvious trade candidate. The Wizards already paid Young and need to sort out Anthony Davis’ future. Alex Sarr, George, and Carrington are extension-eligible next season. This roster will get expensive fast, and Coulibaly feels like the odd man out.
The Blazers need Bilal Coulibaly and have a glut of guards. Scoot Henderson could take the ball out of Ice Trae’s hands and make the Wizards even better.
Wizards can’t force Trae Young to do it all
Young is struggling with the Wizards. He is averaging just 18.4 points per game and shooting under 40 percent from the field. The 28-year-old can’t buy a 3-pointer, and his 46.9 effective field goal percentage is by far the lowest of his career. Washington is asking Young to do too much. They need another point guard to share the workload.
Scoot needs a place where he can have the keys to the offense. He is sharing with Lillard, Morant, or Holiday whenever he’s on the floor in Portland. The 22-year-old has shot over 35 percent from 3-point range for two straight years. He can play off the ball, but was drafted as a point guard. Henderson has struggled to get those reps, but could blossom with the right opportunity.
This would be a bit of a challenge trade. The Wizards would be challenging Scoot to uncover some of his pre-draft potential. Can he become a better scorer, shot creator, and shooter? Does he have the juice to be the secondary creator on a playoff team? The Wizards should be trying to find out.
The Washington Wizards need to trade Bilal Coulibaly to keep their future finances in order. Getting Scoot Henderson solves their point guard issues and gives them more upside.
The Wizards want to contend. Adding more talent that fits better would help. This could even lead to the Henderson breakout many believed was inevitable pre-draft. The Wizards should make the bold trade.
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