CJ McCollum problem the New Orleans Pelicans can't escape

CJ McCollum is on his way to being one of the NBA's worst contracts
CJ McCollum
CJ McCollum | Nic Antaya/GettyImages

The New Orleans Pelicans enter the 2025 offseason with a major decision looming: what to do about CJ McCollum. The 33-year-old guard is entering year one of a two-year contract extension, which will see him earn $64 million over that two-year span. Under new front office leadership led by Joe Dumars, the Pelicans are looking to explore significant changes to their roster. At the center of that retooling? CJ McCollum.

Despite McCollum’s reputation as a proven bucket getter, his age and hefty salary have made him arguably the franchise's most logical trade candidate. But even after averaging solid numbers last season, moving him is proving more difficult than expected.

CJ is still producing, but for how long?

McCollum was a bit of a bright spot in an overall gloomy 2024-25 season for the Pelicans. He averaged 21.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 37.3% from three. He even went on an explosive stretch between late December and early January, averaging 28.5 points per game, including a 50-point performance where he knocked down 10 threes.

On the surface, those stats suggest McCollum still has plenty left in the tank. So why wouldn't contending teams be lining up to acquire CJ?

Regression is on the horizon for McCollum

The issue with McCollum isn't his production, but more about what comes next. At 33 years old, he is entering the age at which most players start to see regression, and with his playstyle, he doesn't project to age gracefully.

McCollum has made a career as a shot creator, an offensive threat at all three levels. This skill set has helped him average 20 points or more per game for nine straight seasons. But his offensive-heavy toolbox means he lacks the traits teams value in aging players.

That leaves teams wondering if his scoring output dips just a little bit, what are they left with? Someone on the wrong side of 30 who can't defend, isn't a great playmaker, and can't rebound. This is the type of reality that could leave a team stuck with one of the NBA's worst contracts.

CJ doesn't fit the new Two-Way style of the league

Over his 11-year career, one thing McCollum has never been called is a two-way player. At 6'3" and 190 pounds, he is someone opposing teams always target on the defensive end. His lack of lateral quickness makes it easy for quicker guards to blow by him. Strong guards easily outmuscle him, making McCollum an absolute defensive disaster, especially in the playoffs.

Offensively, yes, CJ is an absolute threat. However, his lack of true point guard skills is another huge cause for concern. After spending most of his career playing off-ball next to Damian Lillard, McCollum never had to develop high-level playmaking skills. Even during his time as the Pelicans’ primary ball handler, he often prioritized creating his own shot over making the extra pass.

In the modern NBA, teams look for guys who can do more than just one thing, especially if they are paying them upwards of $25 million. Teams want guards who can switch around defensively and look to find the open man when running the floor. Unfortunately, CJ doesn't possess the type of skillset that contenders are looking for.

As of now it appears there's no trade market for the veteran guard

With second-apron penalties becoming more taxing each season, no team values bringing in a one-dimensional 33-year-old guaranteed $64 million over the next two seasons. This makes the likelihood of McCollum being dealt very low. New Orleans can now only hope that McCollum maintains his scoring touch long enough to rebuild his value ahead of next season's trade deadline.