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PORTLAND, OR – MAY 9: CJ McCollum (3) of the Portland Trail Blazers licks his chops during the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, May 9, 2019. The Denver Nuggets versus the Portland Trail Blazers in game six of the teams’ second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
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PORTLAND, OR – MAY 9: CJ McCollum (3) of the Portland Trail Blazers licks his chops during the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, May 9, 2019. The Denver Nuggets versus the Portland Trail Blazers in game six of the teams’ second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
The Portland Trail Blazers have garnered a lot of attention of late. Initially, due to the questions regarding Damian Lillard’s future, other stars have grabbed the limelight now. In the latest update, 30-year-old CJ McCollum is set to make a shock exit ahead of the trade deadline. His new destination? None other than the New Orleans Pelicans.
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 21, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) reacts with guard Josh Hart (3) and forward Zion Williamson (1) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
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Both the Pelicans and Trail Blazers aren’t having the best out of outings. At the moment, they stand at 10th and 11th in the Western Conference, respectively. As a result, the sudden possibility of McCollum joining Brandon Ingram and co. comes as a surprise. The 30-year-old has been averaging 20.5 points this year but is a potent shooting guard. He will add some much-needed squad depth to the side too.
READ MORE: REPORTS: Chris Paul’s Suns Set to Bolster Championship Squad With Massive Trade for Former All-Star
Pelicans reportedly close to completing shock CJ McCollum move
Earlier, Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks were reportedly interested in acquiring the former Most Improved Player. However, there was no follow-up regarding the deal, after which New Orleans has emerged as a fresh interest. And as per a latest report, the deal is already concrete, and quite close to becoming a reality.
The Portland Trail Blazers and New Orleans Pelicans are in serious discussions on a trade centered on guard CJ McCollum, sources tell ESPN. Talks are ongoing today.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2022
As stated by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Portland and New Orleans are in ‘serious discussions’ on a potential trade for the veteran. The talks are still going on, but the expectation is that things will materialize.
According to the same claim, the Pelicans are keen on signing an experienced guard, after having pursued Kyle Lowry in the past summer. With the deal having collapsed, CJ seems to be their priority before the end of the deadline.
It will be interesting to see if New Orleans can land McCollum before Thursday. After all, Lillard’s Blazers are a direct rival this year. Who in your opinion benefits more out of this deal? Let us know in the comments below.
