The Portland Trail Blazers decided to part ways with their long-time player CJ McCollum. The 30-year-old shooting guard who played for the Blazers since 2013 when he was drafted by them as the 10th overall pick.
Adrian Wojnarowski reports that McCollum along with Larry Nance and Tony Snell were sent to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Josh Hart, Tomas Satoransky, Nickeil Walker-Alexander, Didi Louzada, 2022 protected first-round pick, two second-round picks.
McCollum, who is the biggest name in this trade, is averaging 20.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game this season. Role players Nance and Snell are averaging 6.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2 assists per game and 2.6 points, 1.9 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game respectively.
Satoransky was getting limited playing in New Orleans as he averaged 2.8 points, 2 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 15 minutes per game. The most impactful player among those traded by the Pelicans is Hart who is averaging 13.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game.
He’s followed by Walker-Alexander who is averaging 12.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. Meanwhile Louzada appeared in just 2 games for New Orleans this season and hasn’t scored. Recently he underwent a surgery in his left knee.
Woj reports that Portland’s plan is to rebuild around Damian Lillard. “Portland’s plan is to fully reshape roster around Damian Lillard now. Portland created a $21M trade exception today, potentially $60M in salary cap space this summer, multiple draft picks and assets via Pels and Clippers trades. Plan is to pursue high-end talent now, not retreat,” he tweeted.
