Camila Sosa
Since he was acquired just days before the deadline for changes during the month of February, CJ McCollum has been everything and more than what the New Orleans Pelicans actually expected when he joined them in a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers, a team where he became one of the league’s best scorers forming a duo with Damian Lillard, who led the Blazers to multiple NBA postseason appearances.
With the New Orleans franchise, he has formed a very similar duo with Brandon Ingram, and so far they have been a thorn in the Phoenix Suns’ side in the postseason, extending the series to Game 6 so far. The 30-year-old point guard has also developed a fondness in a short time for the organization, and in an interview with Marc J. Spears, he revealed his true desire going forward with the Pelicans during what will be the final years of his career.
”I’m not going anywhere. Where am I going to go? Leave for what? I want to retire here. I’m 30 years old and I have a son who is 13 weeks old. I’m married. When you have something good, you hold on to it. This is something fun for both sides. We’re going to grow. I’m still learning the city. I’m going to find a house. Looking at where I’m at in my career, what I’m trying to accomplish before I’m done, what I’m willing to try and accomplish as a team, obviously, are the reasons. You know the love this city kind of shows people that reciprocate love to them. It just makes sense. I felt like I was what they were missing, and they were what I was missing.
CJ McCollum in an interview with Marc J. Spears about his future in New Orleans.
So far in the postseason he is averaging 24 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists in four games against the Phoenix Suns, who were by far the best team in the NBA. All of these words from CJ are excellent news for the franchise, still having two seasons left on his three-year, $100 million contract. In addition to this, the veteran was giving credit to the team for their administrative staff, and the great core of talent they have been able to assemble over the past few years.
Possible Contract Extension between Pelicans and CJ McCollum
CJ is eligible to sign a contract extension as of August 9 under the same terms as his current contract, and the player has already made clear his thoughts on it.
We haven’t talked yet. I haven’t talked to upper management. But I told my wife before I left [Portland] that ‘Wherever I go, I want to finish my career. New Orleans is on the list of places I would like to finish my career.’ I told my agent that. I’m not about bouncing around. I don’t go through free agency. When I’m committed to something, I’m committed to it. New Orleans, in my mind, I’m finishing my career here. That is how I devote myself to a city, things and people.”
CJ McCollum on his possible contract extension with the Pelicans.
If no deal is reached, the shooting guard would enter free agency for the first time in his career during the 2024 preseason. His future will be tied to what happens with Zion Williamson,and that is the New Orleans Pelicans’ biggest question mark on the future of the New Orleans Pelicans so far. The Pelicans and Suns will meet again in Game 6 of the series tomorrow, Thursday, April 28 (9:30 PM ET), at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.
