Gerald Henderson is moving up the list of desirable free agents. NBA free agency has settled down, but the shooting guard is still available. He can shoot from three-point range and still play a scoring role off the bench. Besides, nobody deserves to have their career end with the ignominious fate of being waived by the Philadelphia 76ers. These four teams could take a late career chance on Henderson.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves are going for it this year. That's evidenced by their acquisition of Jimmy Butler and signings of other well-known veterans.
There's no point in stopping now. Henderson would provide a cheap but potent scoring option off the bench. Minnesota has the worst playoff drought in the entire NBA, so the team should spare no expense to end that as soon as this season. Henderson has made the playoffs in Charlotte and Portland, so Minnesota would be a natural next fit.
Milwaukee Bucks
Tony Snell did re-up on the eve of free agency, but there's never enough shooters on an NBA roster. Recent signings by the team have been hit-or-miss, so it may be better to go with a low-risk, veteran option for a team that wants to have homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs next year. Henderson's dad played for the Bucks once upon a time - like father, like son?
Miami Heat
Rodney McGruder is in a fight with Justise Winslow about playing time for the following season. Why not add to that competition with Henderson? He is a more steady and proven wing than McGruder and can better take Winslow under his wing to assure he develops into a starter this season. Worst comes to worst, the team can just deal Henderson away when the NBA trade deadline rolls around next February.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Yes, the Cavs - owner Dan Gilbert will be thrilled. But Henderson would be of much greater use than reported target Derrick Rose. He's a more natural fit and is a better shooter, one of the key factors the Cavs need to improve upon to keep up with the Golden State Warriors if a return trip to the NBA Finals is in the cards.
He shot 35.3% from three-point range in each of the last two seasons, career highs that show he's only improving in that realm of his game. Additionally, he has only averaged less than nine points per game once in his career and can start in a pinch, as evidenced by his 41 starts with the Philadelphia 76ers last year. Henderson needs to start making up on his dad's three NBA championships.
