NBA Notes: Pelicans, Ja Morant, Blazers, Scoot Henderson, Pacers

Pelicans

A Ja Morant-to-New Orleans rumor is being shut down hard.

William Guillory of The Athletic calls speculation about a Morant trade centered on Jordan Poole and Dejounte Murray “completely false,” adding that the Pelicans are unlikely to pursue Morant because they view Jeremiah Fears as their long-term point guard.

That said, both Poole and Murray remain names to monitor.

Guillory notes there is a sense around the league that New Orleans would like to move at least one of them, and ClutchPoints previously reported that Murray and his camp may prefer a change of scenery.

So while Morant is not on the radar, roster movement elsewhere remains possible.

Blazers

Scoot Henderson’s return may be approaching.

According to Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report, the third-year guard is in the final stage of his recovery from a left hamstring tear and has started participating in full-contact practices.

“He’s able to do some contact now,” interim coach Tiago Splitter said. “Getting better. I don’t have a date for you yet, but he’s doing a lot and feeling well after practice.”

Portland initially projected a four-to-eight week absence before training camp, though general manager Joe Cronin later warned the injury could linger.

Nearly four months later, Henderson appears close to returning.

The former No. 3 overall pick showed real growth late last season, averaging 14.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.1 rebounds over his final 35 games while shooting efficiently.

Blake Wesley is also nearing a return after foot surgery, per Highkin. He had carved out a steady bench role before going down.

Both Henderson and Wesley face key contract decisions this summer, with Henderson eligible for a rookie scale extension and Wesley headed toward unrestricted free agency.

Pacers

Tyrese Haliburton is back on the court and back in competitive action.

Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports Haliburton is playing full-contact in three-on-three and four-on-four scrimmages as he continues rehabbing from his Achilles tear.

“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.”

Haliburton admitted the ramp-up has included some humbling moments.

“First play, Bennedict Mathurin comes down, hesi, shoots a three,” he said. “He hesi’d 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 long ago, so his return will not come before next fall. Still, his progress is encouraging for training camp and a potential bounce back in 2026-27.