6 Most likely Pelicans to be traded during 2024 offseason
By Will Eudy
4. CJ McCollum
After joining New Orleans two seasons ago at the trade deadline, CJ McCollum has continually proven to be one of the Pelicans' most reliable offensive options. With his quick first step, crafty skills with the ball in his hands, and ability to get his shot off quickly against defenders of all sizes, CJ has provided stability when the team is in need of a bucket.
With that in mind, McCollum still has his downfalls. He remains a liability on defense, and can be easy for opposing teams to target in one-on-one situations. Looking at the big picture, he may or may not be who New Orleans wants in their starting lineup in the long term.
The Pels inked CJ to a two-year extension back in September 2022. That deal will kick in this summer and will keep him under contract through the 2025-26 season. Over those two years, he will be earning a yearly salary that is greater than $30 million in both seasons.
That is certainly less than ideal for a player that is frequently hard to trust at both ends of the floor. If the Pelicans prefer to continue building around Zion, they may consider moving McCollum.