4 Pelicans players who improved their trade value in 2023

CJ McCollum, SG

CJ McCollum has been one of the best scoring two-guards in the league for some time now, averaging 20+ points in each of the last eight years, but his move to New Orleans last year has seen the 31-year-old add to his tool chest and impact the game in a wider variety of ways.

Instead of only contributing buckets, McCollum has now added an improved playmaking ability to his arsenal, averaging 5.4 dimes per game since joining the Pelicans after averaging 3.4 during his time with the Portland Trail Blazers. During Ingram’s 30-game absence in the middle of the season, McCollum was able to keep the Pelicans above water, averaging 22.7 points on a 44/41/79 shooting line.

Despite a disappointing night in the play-in loss, McCollum is still a lethal three-level scorer and has become a very good passer over the last few years. That combination of playmaking and floor spacing, paired with his veteran presence and leadership, means that he would be highly sought after in the trade market, so whether they keep him or move him, it’s a positive for the Pelicans.