Pelicans reportedly heading into deadline with focus on CJ McCollum

By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net

The NBA trade deadline is getting closer and, although it’s been rather quieter than usual, there have been talks about a few interesting options and deals between the teams. One of those is CJ McCollum and his potential move to the New Orleans Pelicans, per Bleacher Report.

The emergence of Anfernee Simons has perhaps given some room to Portland Trail Blazers when it comes to roster changes and it could have also put a trade stamp on McCollum’s back.

New Orleans is a destination often linked with McCollum with Pelicans being focused on the future. They will be trading with intention of making a step forward in the 2022-23 campaign.

Zion Williamson is eligible for an extension in the summer as he is still recovering from the foot injury and is yet to play, if at all, this season. McCollum is considered one of the best fits for Williamson and Brandon Ingram who would complete the trio.

The Pelicans don’t have any issues with the luxury tax while they do have a $17.1 million trade exception for Steven Adams and several first-round draft picks to offer.

On the other hand, McCollum has a contract with 100 million dollars through 2023-24 and New Orleans would be required to send out at least 24.6 million in outgoing salary.

For example, Tomas Satoransky ($10 million) and Jaxson Hayes ($5.3 million) are options but the Pelicans would still need to include at least Jonas Valanciunas, Josh Hart or Devonte’ Graham.

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