New Orleans — Talk of the Pelicans targeting suspended Memphis guard Ja Morant is being firmly denied. Reporter William Guillory of The Athletic said speculation involving a Morant package built around Jordan Poole and Dejounte Murray is “completely false,” adding that New Orleans views Jeremiah Fears as its point guard of the future and is unlikely to pursue Morant.
While the organization is not expected to chase Morant, Guillory noted that both Poole and Murray remain trade candidates. League observers sense the Pelicans could move at least one of them, and earlier reporting from ClutchPoints indicated Murray’s camp might welcome a new destination.
Henderson Nearing Return for Blazers
Portland guard Scoot Henderson has entered the final stage of his comeback from a left hamstring tear, according to Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report. Interim coach Tiago Splitter said the third-year guard has begun full-contact practices. “He’s able to do some contact now,” Splitter told reporters. “Getting better. I don’t have a date for you yet, but he’s doing a lot and feeling well after practice.”
The Blazers initially projected a four-to-eight-week absence before training camp, though general manager Joe Cronin later cautioned the injury might linger. Nearly four months later, the former No. 3 overall pick appears close to game action. Henderson averaged 14.2 points, 5.2 assists and 3.1 rebounds over his final 35 games last season while shooting efficiently.
Guard Blake Wesley is also tracking toward a return after foot surgery, Highkin reported. Henderson is eligible for a rookie-scale extension this summer, while Wesley can become an unrestricted free agent.
Haliburton Progressing for Pacers
Indiana star Tyrese Haliburton has resumed full-contact three-on-three and four-on-four scrimmages as he rehabilitates a torn Achilles, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reported. “I’m approaching week 31 here, so almost going on eight months,” Haliburton said on LeBron James’ “Mind The Game” podcast. “Man, I feel really good. My body feels really good.”
The guard admitted the ramp-up has produced a few wake-up calls. “First play, Bennedict Mathurin comes down, hesi, shoots a three,” Haliburton said. “He hesied me one time. He was at the rim, I was still at the three-point line. I was like, ‘Ohhh. I still got some time.’”
Indiana ruled Haliburton out for the season months ago, so he will not return before next fall. Even so, his steady progress offers optimism for training camp and a possible full comeback in 2026-27.
Source: Hoops Wire
