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With the NBA trade deadline right around the corner, the New York Knicks are reportedly eyeing Portland Trail Blazers star CJ McCollum.
Portland seems to have kickstarted its fire sale of assets when they dealt Norman Powell and Robert Covington to the Los Angeles Clippers last Friday. Now, rumors are going around that McCollum could be the next to be dealt with as they try to revamp the pieces around Damian Lillard.
Like the Blazers, New York is in the midst of a tumultuous 2021-22 season so far. They haven't played close to expectations, especially since they made the postseason as the fourth seed a year ago. With around two months remaining to salvage their disappointing campaign, the Knicks may look to add a gifted scorer and a borderline All-Star like McCollum to raise their chances of returning to the playoffs.
Considering that, here is the ideal trade the Knicks must offer the Blazers for CJ McCollum.
CJ McCollum Trade To Knicks
New York Knicks trade: Evan Fournier, Alec Burks, Miles McBride, 2023 protected 1st round pick
Portland Trail Blazers trade: CJ McCollum
On face value, that may seem like an awful lot for a player who has never made an All-Star selection. But with this Knicks team in dire need of an offensive boost, it's a move they have to make if they want to keep their postseason chances alive. McCollum might also be the best available player on the market to get that done.
McCollum has established himself as one of the most well-rounded offensive talents in the NBA. The 30-year old can score with the best of them across all three levels. The Canton, Ohio native has a slick handle and can create shots off the dribble. He has also improved significantly with his playmaking, averaging 4.5 assists over the last three seasons.
McCollum has averaged over 20 points ever since he assumed the starting shooting guard spot for the Blazers in his third NBA campaign. Over seven seasons, the 6-foot-3 guard is averaging 21.7 points, while shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 39.7 percent from three.
New York's offensive struggles this season are well-documented. The Knicks are just 24th in offensive rating (108.0), 27th in points per game and field goal percentage, and dead last in pace. They are also second to the last in assists (21.4), as 57.2 percent of their shots come off assists (27th in the NBA). With their lack of movement, bringing in a more a capable creator in McCollum to take over the primary ball handling duties should give their offense an uptick.
The former LeHigh standout probably won't bring significant change on the team's offensive habits midseason. Nonetheless, Madison Square Garden would probably prefer to watch McCollum go to work than see Julius Randle brick so many step-back or turnaround midrange jumpers.
McCollum is a major upgrade over Evan Fournier. They are going to miss Alec Burks as they lose a solid bench that can give them around 10 points a night. Furthermore, they let go of a young prospect in Miles McBride as well as a future first rounder. But that's the kind of price you need to pay to acquire a stud like McCollum.
