The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly finalizing a trade for CJ McCollum of the Portland Trail Blazers.
According to several sources, the Pels will send Josh Hart as the centerpiece, but there will clearly be other players and draft compensation involved as well:
Full trade, per sources:
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2022
Blazers: Josh Hart, Tomas Satoransky, Nickeil Walker-Alexander, Didi Louzada, 2022 protected first-round pick, two second-round picks.
Pelicans: CJ McCollum, Larry Nance, Tony Snell.
The Pels will reportedly be sending out Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Tomas Satoransky’s expiring deal, Didi Louzada, a 2022 protected pick and two second rounders. Larry Nance Jr. and Tony Snell are included in the deal. UPDATED
New Orleans Pelicans starting lineup and depth chart with CJ McCollum
Here is what the Pels’ new starting lineup and depth chart will look like:
- Devonte’ Graham/Jose Alvarado
- CJ McCollum
- Brandon Ingram/Garrett Temple/Tony Snell
- Herb Jones/Larry Nance Jr.
- Jonas Valanciunas/Jaxson Hayes
McCollum provides the lead guard New Orleans has been lacking and gives them another guy who can create for himself and teammates.
Of course, the Pelicans could go with a different option and push Graham to the bench.
- CJ McCollum
- Brandon Ingram
- Herb Jones
- Jaxson Hayes
- Jonas Valanciunas
But McCollum is not just a great pickup for this season. It’s still possible that Zion Williamson could return, but even if he doesn’t, thinking about this team at full strength is pretty exciting.
- CJ McCollum
- Brandon Ingram
- Herb Jones
- Zion Williamson
- Jonas Valanciunas
McCollum provides the type of consistent scorer and 3-point shooter that the Pelicans have never really had around Zion and BI.
He’s a third option that can take over a game at times and he’s proven himself in the playoffs, so adds some much-needed experience.
Larry Nance Jr. is good for depth, though he is out currently with injury.
It will be sad to see Josh Hart go, but McCollum makes the Pelicans a contender in the Western Conference when they are finally at full strength.
It’s a bittersweet trade for Pelicans’ fans, as Josh Hart is a favorite, but this new era raises the ceiling for how successful New Orleans can be now and in the future.