The Zion, Ingram Trade Debate; Why Scoot Henderson?

The report of New Orleans considering trading their star players for Scoot Henderson has opened new debates and possibilities for the franchise.

Pelicans fans were sent into a frenzy when Shams Charania reported the team's interest in trading up in the 2023 NBA Draft to acquire Scoot Henderson.  New Orleans' best two commodities, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, could be a part of the trade package to achieve the trade.  Since the revelation, the pros and cons debates have been burning on the sports wire and social media.  Let's address the "why now to trade" questions surrounding the Pelicans' biggest stars.

ABOUT ZION WILLIAMSON

When it comes to Williamson, there are various aspects to consider.  Due to his injury history, Zion has missed a significant amount of playing time, potentially resulting in Pelicans EVP David Griffin considering a trade.  Not to mention New Orleans may regard his recent personal life drama as a reason to find other options for the franchise.

Another point is the alleged internal tensions that may have opened the discussions for a Scoot Henderson trade before this month's draft.

On the other hand, Zion is a rare talent of his generation who is about to enter a crucial season.  If the team chooses to trade the all-star forward, it could adversely affect the Pelicans for many years.

Mar 29, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) hugs forward Brandon Ingram (14) after their win over the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

ABOUT BRANDON INGRAM 

Ingram is coming into his prime as a scorer, playmaker, and, most importantly, a team leader.  At present, losing BI could leave a larger gap in the team's starting lineup.  This is because Ingram has shown improvement in his effective field goal percentage, which has increased from 46.1% in 2021-22 to 48.4% in 2022-23.  Also, his player efficiency rating climbed from 18.78 (2021-22) to 19.40 (2022-23) as a small forward.  It makes sense to keep both, but Ingram's presence may alleviate some of Zion's availability issues over his NBA career.  Playing only 114 out of 287 games in four seasons has become a source of frustration for the team and player, but also the fans.

WHY SCOOT HENDERSON?

Henderson, 19, is an impressive and exciting young player starring for the NBA G League Ignite team.  The Atlanta suburb native signed directly out of Carlton J. Kell high school with the club.  During 19 games in his first season with Ignite, Henderson shot 42.9% from the field, averaging 16.5 points, 6.5 assists, and 5.4 rebounds.  SI.com updated its NBA Draft Big Board with the young guard rising to No. 2 behind presumably San Antonio's No. 1 draft choice Victor Wembanyama.

One Pelicans fan, Darren Howard, commented to Pelicans Scoop about Henderson: "Why should the Pelicans consider trading for an unproven talent instead of retaining Zion or Ingram?"  Howard has a point.  Could the current hefty contracts and future negotiations with players such as Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones play a factor in the Pelicans' front office?  Moreover, could one of those third-year players be included in a trade package?  The Pelicans brass could be done with recent questions of internal problems, maturity issues, and lingering health problems.

SI.COM'S TOP-10 NBA DRAFT PROSPECTS

1. Victor Wembanyama, F, Metropolitans 92
2. Scoot Henderson, PG, G League Ignite
3. Brandon Miller, Wing, Alabama
4. Amen Thompson, G, Overtime Elite
5. Anthony Black, G, Arkansas
6. Jarace Walker, F, Houston
7. Cam Whitmore, Wing, Villanova
8. Ausar Thompson, Wing, Overtime Elite
9. Taylor Hendricks, F, UCF
10. Cason Wallace, G, Kentucky

Oct 4, 2022; Henderson, NV, USA; NBA G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson (0) reacts after scoring a layup during the second quarter against the Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 at The Dollar Loan Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

WHY HENDERSON?

The 6'2" guard has developed into a skilled mid-range shooter, but he could benefit from the guidance of Pelicans' shooting coach Fred Vinson to improve his long-range accuracy — just ask Brandon Ingram.  Someone other than BI and CJ is needed for New Orleans to have a reliable finisher at the basket.   Henderson possesses this quality.  In addition, he fearlessly engages in close interactions with bigger and taller players by utilizing his strong base and 6-9 wingspan for defense.

Albeit, Henderson is a unique talent in this draft.  But is he worth cashing in on either Williamson or Ingram at this point in their careers?

We shall see.