Blazers and Scoot Henderson Miss Extension Deadline

The Portland Trail Blazers and Scoot Henderson did not agree on a rookie-scale contract extension before the deadline, leaving the 2023 No. 3 pick set to become a restricted free agent after the season. Portland will be able to match offers from other teams, and general manager Joe Cronin has described Henderson as a high-priority player while noting that both sides could still pursue a deal later. Henderson’s injury history and uneven play appear to have complicated negotiations, despite flashes of progress and strong performances. His path to a larger role is also less clear with Damian Lillard, Ja Morant and Jrue Holiday in Portland’s backcourt mix.