The Toronto Raptors have been linked with a trade-up in the 2023 NBA Draft order, with the Portland Trail Blazers (owners of the No. 3 pick) often cited as the team who makes the most sense as a trade partner. However, the Charlotte Hornets should not be totally ruled out of the picture.
With Victor Wembanyama all but officially going No. 1 overall, the No. 2 pick will be used on the better of G Leaguer Scoot Henderson or Alabama wing Brandon Miller. Moving up to that coveted No. 2 spot in the order would take a huge haul from a team like the Raptors, but such a move isn’t impossible.
According to Matt Moore of The Action Network, the Raptors and New Orleans Pelicans are the only teams that appear to be interested in trading with Charlotte and acquiring the No. 2 pick. It can be reasonably inferred that Henderson would be the target at No. 2 due to the uncertainty surrounding Fred VanVleet.
Henderson has recently overtaken Miller as the favorite to be selected No. 2 overall, which could lead some to believe that the Raptors’ talks for Henderson are progressing well. Is there a chance this deal gets finalized, kickstarting a retool for these two very different franchises?
Here's a taste of what Michael Jordan will see from Brandon Miller and Scoot Henderson in Charlotte Monday, courtesy of the Portland Trailblazers. Jordan was not present for the first round of workouts, sources say. https://t.co/ag0wCZJoOL pic.twitter.com/gAMYzwvVT2
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 18, 2023
NBA rumors: Raptors discussing trade for No. 2 pick with Hornets.
While Pascal Siakam would be the more attractive trade chip in this hypothetical deal, dealing OG Anunoby away might be the better move for Toronto here. Getting No. 2, and perhaps a veteran bench player, might be enough for them to move away from OG.
Henderson would be a dynamo who changes the scope of the Toronto offense instantly, as guards with his ability to attack the basket and shoot from deep have typically had a very high success rate in the pros.
If you’re a pessimistic Raptors fan who doesn’t want this deal to get done, Moore is here to make sure that you can get that injection of negativity. Moore reported that executives are fed up with talking to Ujiri and Webster, comparing it to getting “blood from a stone.” This thought might make it tough for Charlotte to engage with Toronto.
The Raptors need to go all-in on a trade for No. 2 if there is even a chance of getting a deal with the Hornets done. In essentially any draft without a once-in-a-generation talent like Wembanyama at the top of the draft, Henderson would have waltzed to the top pick. Get him, Masai!