Why a CJ McCollum trade is the right move for the Pelicans
Is the cost worth it for the Pelicans?
It think it’s fair to say that adding a professional scorer like McCollum would make the Pelicans a better team, but what would they have to give up to make it happen?
If Satoransky’s contract is involved, the Pelicans still need to come up with around $14 million in salaries which means one of Nickeil Alexander-Walker or Jaxson Hayes and likely one of Devonte’ Graham or Josh Hart.
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If the Pelicans had their choice, they’d probably send out NAW and Graham, but that doesn’t seem logical from Portland’s perspective unless the Pels padded out their offer with multiple first-round draft picks.
The Pels would love to do this deal without giving up Josh Hart, and I’d much rather see NAW and multiple picks go than Hart, who has been a key role player.
There is always a chance this will be part of a bigger deal involving more teams, but if the Pelicans can get McCollum without giving up Hart, then they should jump at the chance.
It will be interesting to see if David Griffin can pull this off, as he’ll be eager for the team to make some progress with Zion Williamson’s extension looming and the team in need of some veteran talent.
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