Tag: cj mccollum

Hawks trade Trae Young to Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert

The Washington Wizards recently acquired guard Trae Young in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks for guard/forward Corey Kispert and guard CJ McCollum.

“We are excited to welcome Trae Young to the Washington Wizards,” said General Manager Will Dawkins. “It is a rare opportunity to acquire a player of Trae’s skill, accomplishments, and age. Trae plays an exciting brand of basketball and brings a level of confidence and competitiveness that has set him apart in this league.”

“On behalf of the Hawks franchise, I’d like to thank Trae for how he embraced the city of Atlanta and represented the Hawks during his time here, on the court and in the community. Over more than seven seasons, including four All-Star appearances, he cemented himself as a fan favorite and one of the great players in our franchise’s history. We wish Trae and his family all the best,” said Hawks General Manager Onsi Saleh.

“Adding CJ McCollum, one of the NBA’s most prolific shooters and a respected veteran, along with an established young veteran in Corey Kispert, will strengthen our team on the court and in the locker room, and we retain flexibility for future opportunities to continue building our program.”

Young (6-2, 164) has appeared in 493 career games (all starts) in eight seasons with the Hawks. The fifth overall selection in the 2018 NBA Draft, Young holds career averages of 25.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game, while shooting .432 from the field and .351 from three. Young is one of four players to average 25+ points and 10+ assists per game in consecutive seasons after doing so in both 2022-23 and 2023-24 (Nikola Jokic, Russell Westbrook, Oscar Robertson).

The 27-year-old is a four-time All-Star (2020, 2022, 2024, 2025), was selected to the All-NBA Third Team in 2021-22, and was a first-team All-Rookie selection in 2018-19. Young currently leads active players and ranks third all-time in career assists per game (9.8) and has finished top 10 in total assists each of his seven seasons, including leading the league in total assists in 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2024-25. Young also led the league in total points during the 2021-22 season, making him one of two players in NBA history to lead the league in total points and assists in a season, joining Nate “Tiny” Archibald in 1972-73.

The Oklahoma product started the Trae Young Family Foundation in 2019 to support education and advocacy on issues including mental health and wellness. His contributions include opening the Young Family Athletic Center in Norman, Oklahoma, in 2024 and being named an Honorary Board Member at The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 2019.

Corey Kispert was selected with the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft by Washington. He appeared in 311 games (105 starts), averaging 10.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while shooting .475 from the field and .383 from three.

CJ McCollum started in 35 games after being acquired in an offseason trade with the New Orleans Pelicans. He averaged 18.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, and shot .454 from the field and .393 from three with Washington.

“We thank Corey and CJ for being consummate professionals during their time in Washington,” said Dawkins. “Though they spent varying time here, both left a lasting impact on this organization that we hope our players carry forward.”

Pelicans sign CJ McCollum to contract extension

The New Orleans Pelicans and guard CJ McCollum have agreed to a multi-year contract extension, the team announced today.

Per The Advocate, “the Pelicans are signing McCollum to a two-year, $64 million extension, which will keep him under contract through the 2025-26 season. McCollum already was owed $33.3 million in 2022-23 and $35.8 million in 2023-24. Tacking on two years to his deal ensures that McCollum, Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson are all under contract with the Pelicans for the next three seasons.”

McCollum, 6-3, 190, who was acquired by New Orleans in a mid-season trade with the Portland Trail Blazers, appeared in 62 games (all starts) during the 2021-22 season, averaging 22.1 points, 5.1 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 34.6 minutes per game. In 26 games as a Pelican, McCollum averaged 24.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.3 steals in 33.8 minutes per game while shooting .493 from the floor and .394 from deep. In the Pelicans’ first round playoff series with Phoenix, McCollum started all six games and averaged 22.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 39.0 minutes per game.

The nine-year veteran has appeared in 590 games (493 starts) with Portland and New Orleans, averaging 19.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 0.9 steals in 31.6 minutes, while shooting .455 from the floor, .396 from three-point range and .810 from the free throw stripe. McCollum has also appeared in 63 games (53 starts) over nine postseasons with Portland and New Orleans. He holds playoff averages of 20.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 0.8 steals in 35.4 minutes per game, while shooting .434 from the floor, .377 from beyond the arc and .763 from the free throw line.

NBA trade sends CJ McCollum from Trail Blazers to Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans have acquired CJ McCollum, Larry Nance Jr., and Tony Snell in a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers.

In exchange, New Orleans sent Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Josh Hart, Didi Louzada, Tomáš Satoranský, a protected 2022 first round draft pick, and two future second round draft picks to the Blazers.

“On behalf of the Trail Blazers organization, I want to thank CJ McCollum for the integral role he has played in the success of the franchise over the last nine seasons and for his countless acts of service to the Portland community,” said Trail Blazers Interim General Manager Joe Cronin. “CJ has cemented himself in Trail Blazers history with his elite skill level and memorable moments on the court as well as with the work ethic, professionalism and generosity he displays behind the scenes.”

“I also want to thank Larry Nance Jr., Tony Snell and Cody Zeller for their contributions to the organization and community this season,” Cronin continued. “We wish all four players success moving forward.”

McCollum, 6-3, 190, has appeared in 36 games (all starts) for Portland this season, averaging 20.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 35.2 minutes per game while shooting .436 from the field and .384 from deep. Drafted tenth overall by Portland in the 2013 NBA Draft out of Lehigh, the nine-year NBA veteran has appeared in 564 career games (467 starts) with the Blazers, averaging 19.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 31.5 minutes per game while shooting .453 from the field and .396 from deep. McCollum has also appeared in 57 career playoff games (47 starts) throughout his career, averaging 20.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 35.1 minutes per contest.

Nance Jr., 6-7, 245, has appeared in 37 games (11 starts) for Portland this season, averaging 6.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 23.2 minutes per game. Drafted 27th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft out of Wyoming, Nance Jr. has appeared in 387 career games (134 starts) with Portland, Cleveland, and the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 8.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 24.1 minutes per game.

Snell, 6-6, 213, has appeared in 38 games (10 starts) for Portland this season, averaging 2.6 points and 1.9 rebounds in 14.4 minutes per game. Drafted 20th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft out of New Mexico, Snell has appeared in 586 career games (308 starts) with Portland, Atlanta, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Chicago, averaging 6.1 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 21.9 minutes per game. Snell has also appeared in 47 career playoff games (8 starts) throughout his career, averaging 2.9 points and 1.1 rebounds in 12.7 minutes per contest.

Alexander-Walker, 6-5, 205, whose draft rights were originally acquired by the Pelicans from the Atlanta Hawks via trade on July 7, 2019, has appeared in 50 games (19 starts) for the Pelicans this season, averaging 12.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 26.3 minutes per game. In three seasons with New Orleans, Alexander-Walker appeared in 143 games (33 starts), averaging 9.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 20.4 minutes per game.

Hart, 6-5, 215, who was originally acquired by the Pelicans from the Los Angeles Lakers in a three-team trade on July 6, 2019, appeared in 41 games (40 starts) for New Orleans this season, averaging 13.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 33.5 minutes per game. Hart has appeared in 283 career games (105 starts) with New Orleans and the Los Angeles Lakers, holding averages of 9.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 27.0 minutes per game.

Louzada, 6-5, 210, whose draft rights were originally acquired by the Pelicans from the Atlanta Hawks via trade on July 7, 2019, appeared in five games off the bench for the Pelicans over the last two seasons, averaging 1.6 points and 1.0 rebound in 12.6 minutes per game.

Satoranský, 6-7, 210, who was originally acquired by New Orleans from the Chicago Bulls on August 8, 2021, appeared in 32 games (three starts) for the Pelicans this season, averaging 2.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 15.0 minutes per game. Satoranský has appeared in 365 career games (172 starts) over six seasons with New Orleans, Chicago, and Washington, averaging 7.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 22.4 minutes per game.

2022 NBA All-Star Weekend: 3-Point Contest participants

NBA All-Stars Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls, Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Fred VanVleet of the Toronto Raptors and Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks headline the 2022 NBA 3-Point Contest, which will take place on Saturday, Feb. 19 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland.

The eight-player field for the two-round, timed shooting competition also features guard CJ McCollum of the Portland Trail Blazers (though he will reportedly soon be traded to the New Orleans Pelicans), guard Desmond Bane of the Memphis Grizzlies, guard Luke Kennard of the LA Clippers and guard Patty Mills of the Brooklyn Nets.

Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum diagnosed with a collapsed right lung

Upon further examination, a CT scan revealed that Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum has a pneumothorax (right lung), the team announced today. Per MayoClinic.org, a pneumothorax is a collapsed lung.

McCollum sustained the injury during the 4th quarter of Portland’s game versus Boston on December 4.

He will be further evaluated before a prognosis is determined and his status will be updated accordingly.

McCollum did not travel with the team for Wednesday’s game at Golden State.

In 24 games this season (all starts), McCollum has averaged 20.6 points (42.4% FG, 39.3% 3-PT, 70.0% FT), 4.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.08 steals and 35.3 minutes.

CJ McCollum set to return for Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers’ backcourt is about to get a lot more potent. Via the NBA.com/blazers:

After finishing off the first half of the season with three-straight wins, the Portland Trail Blazers have struggled in their three games since the All-Star break.

But help is on the way.

After missing the last 25 games with a broken bone in his left foot, Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum is expected to return to the lineup when the Trail Blazers begin a five-game homestand by hosting the New Orleans Pelicans Tuesday night at the Moda Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

The Blazers are 22-16 this season, which is the 6th best record in the Western conference.

In 13 games played, McCollum is averaging 26.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game.

Blazers guard CJ McCollum cleared for contact practice

Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum continues to recover from a left mid-foot fracture and has been cleared for contact practice, it was announced today by Neil Olshey, Trail Blazers president of basketball operations.

McCollum will be reevaluated later next week.

Through 13 games, McCollum averaged 26.7 points (47.3% FG, 44.1% 3-PT, 84.4% FT), 3.9 rebounds and 5.0 assists with Portland prior to sustaining the injury on January 16 vs. Atlanta.

CJ McCollum wins 2015-2016 NBA Most Improved Player award

CJ McCollum wins 2015-2016 NBA Most Improved Player award

Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum, who more than tripled his scoring average from the previous season, is the winner of the 2015-16 NBA Most Improved Player Award, the NBA announced today. The 6-4 guard joins Kevin Duckworth (1987-88) and Zach Randolph (2003-04) as the only Trail Blazers to earn the award, which is designed to honor an up-and-coming player who has made a dramatic improvement from the previous season or seasons.

McCollum received 101 first-place votes and 559 total points from a panel of 130 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. Kemba Walker of the Charlotte Hornets (seven first-place votes, 166 points) and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks (four first-place votes, 99 points) finished second and third, respectively. Players were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote.

McCollum averaged a career-high 20.8 points (18th in the NBA) in his third season since being selected by the Trail Blazers with the 10th pick of NBA Draft 2013 presented by State Farm. He raised his scoring average by 14 points from last season’s 6.8, the largest increase (minimum 40 games each season) since Tony Campbell improved by 17 points from 1988-89 (6.2) to 1989-90 (23.2). McCollum established career highs in field goal percentage (44.8), three-point field goal percentage (41.7, eighth in the NBA), assists (4.3 apg) and rebounds (3.2 rpg), helping Portland make the playoffs for the third consecutive year.

Last season, McCollum appeared in 62 games (three starts) and averaged 15.7 minutes. He scored in double figures 18 times and reached the 20-point mark three times. This season, as one of four new starters for Portland, McCollum hit double figures in 79 of his 80 games, scored at least 20 points in 40 games and notched eight 30-point games. McCollum ranked ninth in the NBA with 197 three-pointers made, and he teamed with Damian Lillard to form the league’s third-highest scoring duo (45.9 ppg).

CJ McCollum is great at mid-range jumpshots

The second-leading scorer on the Portland Trail Blazers (22-26) this season is shooting guard C.J. McCollum, who is averaging 20.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. Here’s the Oregonian with more on his game:

CJ McCollum is great at mid-range jumpshots

As NBA teams across the league look to maximize shot attempts at the rim and beyond the three-point line, Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum is capitalizing on a market inefficiency. He’s become a master of the mid-range and developed into one of the league’s most lethal scorers in the often forgotten area between the lane and three-point line.

“It’s been a part of my game for life. It’s tougher to finish in the lane so you’ve got to find different areas to score efficiently and the mid-range contested shot is a shot a lot of teams will live with,” McCollum says. “And it’s a shot I’m willing to live with as well just because I’ve gotten so many shots at it and I’m comfortable with it.”

McCollum is shooting 46.6 percent on mid-range shots season, according to NBA.com. He’s attempted the 12th most mid-range shots in the league and has the highest field goal percentage of anyone in the NBA who has taken at least 250 such shots. He’s shooting better than noted mid-range gunners Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki and, yes, even LaMarcus Aldridge.

CJ McCollum accidentally left off Blazers roster vs Clippers

This is a new one. Here’s the Oregonian reporting on a clerical error resulting in one of the key Trail Blazers being unable to play tonight vs the Clippers:

CJ McCollum accidentally left off Blazers roster vs Clippers

CJ McCollum was not a part of the Trail Blazers’ active roster Wednesday night for their game against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Moda Center.

And it was not by design.

A rare and confusing set of circumstances resulted in the Blazers’ starting shooting guard being left off the Blazers’ active list when official game rosters were submitted one hour before tipoff.

It was not immediately clear how the mistake unfolded, but when Blazers coach Terry Stotts signed the Blazers’ game roster, it included rookie Luis Montero instead of McCollum.