Apr 6, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (00) dribbles the ball up court in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Apr 6, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (00) dribbles the ball up court in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
This offseason has been a favorable one for young players. With Amen Thompson setting the tone by signing a massive rookie-scale extension, players like Cason Wallace and Brandon Miller benefited greatly, as it paved the way for them to finalize their deals. Unfortunately, for those such as Scoot Henderson, the situation isn’t as promising.
The Oct. 19 deadline served as the final date for teams to finalize their 15-man rosters ahead of opening night. However, it also marked the last day that teams could agree to rookie-scale extensions with players like Scoot Henderson before the free agency window opens next summer.
Thus, as things stand, Scoot Henderson is expected to join seven other young players in restricted free agency next summer. Per NBA insider Jake Weinbach, this is the list of notable players:
1. Scoot Henderson (Portland Trail Blazers)
2. Anthony Black (Orlando Magic)
3. Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Milwaukee Bucks)
4. Bilal Coulibaly (Washington Wizards)
5. Jarace Walker (Indiana Pacers)
6. Brice Sensabaugh (Utah Jazz)
7. Julian Strawther (Denver Nuggets)
8. Dereck Lively II (Dallas Mavericks)
It goes without saying that there will be others who are destined to enter restricted free agency. But it is important to distinguish between those and the players mentioned in this list.
For all intents and purposes, each of these players boasts the potential to be solid rotation pieces, with some even possessing star-caliber potential. Given how challenging restricted free agency has been over the last few years, with Jalen Duren and Peyton Watson emerging as prime examples this year, it is unfortunate that these players are in this position.
Still, one could argue that the case for each player is justifiable.
Regarding Scoot Henderson’s contract, an extension seemed largely uncertain because of the team’s pre-existing guard depth. Despite Henderson’s improvement as an offensive player, with averages of 14.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game last season, the Blazers’ backcourt logjam makes it virtually impossible for the franchise to commit a large amount to Henderson right now.
Thus, even though Portland views Scoot Henderson as a key rotation piece moving forward, he may not find himself earning a long-term extension with the team next summer.
A similar issue emerges in the case of Dereck Lively II and the Dallas Mavericks. Although Lively has positioned himself as a vital member of the team’s big man rotation, the 22-year-old’s recurring injuries and extended periods of absence make him a high-risk investment.
He only appeared in seven games last season, posting 4.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, and remained sidelined through training camp and the preseason this year. Although he is immensely gifted, Dallas’s current big man depth allows the team to bide its time to see whether he can remain healthy this season before offering him a new contract.
Another name on this list that doesn’t come as a surprise is Orlando Magic point guard Anthony Black. Despite a breakout season last year, with averages of 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, there was a growing belief that the 22-year-old would not earn a contract extension this summer.
Unlike Scoot Henderson and Dereck Lively II, Anthony Black’s situation has more to do with the Magic’s current cap situation. Having committed a large amount to the team’s starters, Orlando lacks the cap flexibility to offer Black a new contract without going deeper into luxury tax territory.
As things stand, the Magic are roughly $600,000 below the second apron, leaving them with virtually no room to offer extensions. However, given that the team is unwilling to trade the guard, there could be some reason to believe they could revisit discussions next summer when they have nearly $30 million in cap space below the $213 million tax line at their disposal.
Anthony Black’s case seems to resonate with Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther and Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker, too. However, the same can’t be said for players like Brice Sensabaugh, Bilal Coulibaly, and Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Unlike the aforementioned players, the trio of Sensabaugh, Coulibaly, and Jaquez may have to prove themselves deserving of an extension this season.
Although Sensabaugh was a valuable piece for the Jazz last season, posting 14.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, given the team’s recent roster upgrades, the 22-year-old will have to find more ways to stand out, especially when there are fewer minutes to go around.
Similarly, Coulibaly has already demonstrated his value as a key two-way piece on the Wizards‘ roster after averaging 11.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. Still, with the arrival of AJ Dybantsa, there are rumblings that Coulibaly may become redundant, giving rise to trade rumors.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks this summer as part of the landmark deal sending Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami. While Jaquez has showcased his upside as a multi-level scorer, who averaged 15.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game last year, he will need to prove himself as a significant contributor to the Bucks’ rebuilding effort.
Thus far, none of these players inspired much belief after their performances in the preseason. However, with optimism that they will find their groove in the regular season, we eagerly look forward to seeing what they bring to the table.
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TAGGED:Anthony Blackbilal coulibalyDallas Mavericks ArchiveDenver Nuggets ArchiveDereck Lively IIIndiana Pacers ArchiveJaime Jaquez Jr.Milwaukee Bucks ArchiveOrlando Magic ArchivePortland Trail Blazers ArchiveScoot HendersonUtah Jazz ArchiveWashington Wizards Archive
Siddhant Gupta is a basketball columnist at Fadeaway World, based out of Mumbai, India. He combines firsthand playing experience with thoughtful analysis to report on the NBA's ever-evolving world. A lifelong athlete, Siddhant's perspective is rooted in years on the court, giving his work a unique edge that resonates with both casual fans and seasoned ones.Before joining Fadeaway World, he spent two formative years at Sportskeeda, where he sharpened his skills and had the opportunity to interview NBA legend Ray Allen during his time in India. A diehard Los Angeles Lakers fan since 2008, Siddhant doesn't just report on the game—he lives it. Beyond his work, he is a student of the game, constantly learning, debating, and engaging with the local and global basketball communities.