It was recently reported that the New Orleans Pelicans have interest in trading for Portland Trail Blazers star shooting guard CJ McCollum. Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus has more details on the Pelicans' desire to pull off such a trade:
According to sources close to the Pelicans, the team is heading into the deadline as a buyer focusing on the 2022-23 campaign. Zion Williamson, who has yet to play this year with a foot injury, is eligible for an extension this offseason. The team apparently views McCollum as the potentially ideal veteran scorer and leader to play alongside Brandon Ingram and Williamson.
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The idea of the 18-32 Pelicans as a buyer seems odd, especially with so much uncertainty surrounding Zion Williamson's health, but it would make sense if the focus is on next season and beyond. The 30-year-old McCollum is under contract for two more seasons after this one, with about $69 million remaining on the deal. While some around the league view this contract as a negative asset, McCollum is still a good player who can get buckets efficiently, though there are legitimate defensive concerns.
Trading for McCollum now could also help New Orleans make a run at the play-in tournament given the Blazers currently hold the No. 10 seed with a 21-30 record, but this would still mostly be about the future. The Pelicans have assets available to trade thanks to the Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday deals, so they could put together a decent offer. They also have tradable contracts to cobble together for a deal.
If New Orleans puts a strong offer on the table, Portland must consider it. This Blazers core has seemingly hit the end of the line, and with Damian Lillard currently out, it's a good time to hit the reset button. It would be understandably tough to break up the Dame/CJ core after all these years, but it has to happen at some point, and the breakout of Anfernee Simons would make it an easier pill to swallow.
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