One NBA writer is proposing that the Los Angeles Clippers acquire CJ McCollum from the New Orleans Pelicans in a blockbuster trade. Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed the following three-team trade between the Pelicans, Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers:
New Orleans Pelicans receive: Damian Lillard
Los Angeles Clippers receive: CJ McCollum
Portland Trail Blazers receive: Norman Powell, Marcus Morris Sr., Dyson Daniels, Brandon Boston Jr., Kira Lewis Jr., 2024 first-round pick (from NOP), 2026 first-round pick (from NOP) and 2027 first-round pick (from NOP via MIL)
“McCollum isn’t a carbon copy of the bearded baller, but he is one of seven players to average 20 points, five assists and 2.5 threes in each of the past two seasons,” Buckley wrote in his latest NBA trade column. “The 31-year-old is a tough cover already, and he’d only be harder to handle operating as a third option with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: CJ McCollum, Los Angeles Clippers & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
McCollum averaged 20.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.7 assists for the Pelicans last season while shooting 43.7% from the field, 38.9% from beyond the arc and 76.9% from the free-throw line. The 2015-16 NBA’s Most Improved Player of the Year signed a two-year, $64 million veteran contract extension with New Orleans in September 2022.
The 31-year-old McCollum will make $35.8 million next season. He has career NBA averages of 19.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 665 games with the Blazers and Pelicans. The Clippers tried to acquire James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers, but the Sixers and Clippers never got close to making a deal. McCollum could be a solid backup plan.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: CJ McCollum, Los Angeles Clippers & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
The Clippers could start Russell Westbrook, McCollum, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac next season if Los Angeles’ front office figured out a way to acquire McCollum. That would be an explosive and dynamic starting lineup.
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