CJ McCollum was quick to follow backcourt partner Damian Lillard in signing a contract extension, inking a three-year, $100 million commitment a few days after Dame put pen to paper on a four-year, $196 million supermax extension. McCollum explained his reasoning for signing an extension with the Portland Trail Blazers as opposed to waiting for free agency and getting potentially even more money coming his way.

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Lillard and McCollum have been two of the most loyal stars in the NBA market, always making use of every chance to express their love and sense of commitment for Rip City.

This backcourt duo have indeed pledged their allegiance to the Blazers for the long-term, with only one goal in mind:

“The bar is to win a championship,” said McCollum. “There's a reason most of the guys on the '77 team have their jerseys retired.”

President of basketball operations Neil Olshey pointed to the stark difference a market like Portland has shown in contrast to what other teams in the Western Conference have pulled off during the offseason.

“In a summer where, you see a lot of tandems being created, a lot of guys leaving small markets for bigger markets … that Dame and CJ were able to commit to each other and the organization, is huge,” he said. “Hopefully it sends a message.”

Dame and CJ's partnership is a sprinkle of hope for other small markets that are hopeful to keep their stars beyond a rookie-level extension, as the Blazers have now sealed their future with two of the most potents scorers in the same backcourt.