The New Orleans Pelicans are landing a solid player in CJ McCollum, the Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard linked with several moves over the past couple of months. The Player was seen as a possible candidate to land in Philadelphia in a possible trade involving Ben Simmons, but now things have taken a different turn.
Instead of going to the Eastern Conference, CJ will stay in the West, joining a young and promising New Orleans Pelicans team trying to reach the postseason this year. Even though they have missed Zion Williamson since last season, the Pels are still fighting to make it to the big party.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that the Pelicans are trading a package centered around Josh Hart in exchange for McCollum.
The New Orleans Pelicans are finalizing a deal to acquire Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum for a package around Josh Hart and draft compensation, sources tell.
The New Orleans Pelicans are finalizing a deal to acquire Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum for a package around Josh Hart and draft compensation, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 8, 2022
New Orleans is on verge of adding an accomplished vet and playmaker as the franchise aims to make postseason.
End of an era for the Trail Blazers and their McCollum-Damian Lillard backcourt. Portland worked to acquire assets in McCollum deal and send him to a good situation. https://t.co/or5Ay22rZ3
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 8, 2022
**Update**
Besides Josh Hart, New Orleans is sending Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Tomas Satoransky, and draft compensation to Portland.
Portland is finalizing acquiring Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Tomas Satoransky and draft compensation in the CJ McCollum trade, sources said. https://t.co/or5Ay22rZ3
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 8, 2022
McCollum was Damian Lillard’s sidekick at Moda Center for many years. They tried to lead the squad to the promised land, but only managed to reach the Western Conference finals in 2019.
The Blazers are trying to clean the way to have a better chance to land star players this offseason, and parting ways with McCollum was part of that plan. Now the Pels add a terrific player who can succeed alongside Brandon Ingram and Zion when he returns.
As for the Blazers, they are making interesting moves in recent days, and this one was expected to happen, although it’s unclear if the fans will be happy with the return.
