CJ McCollum recently shared his perspective on trade rumors surrounding the New Orleans Pelicans. The veteran guard spoke candidly about his mindset in light of reports suggesting that the Pelicans are open to trading anyone on their roster except for three players.
“For some players, you want to be in a position to be liked by more than just one team. That means you have something to offer,” McCollum stated, via HoopsHype. “If teams are calling and inquiring about you, that means you have value beyond where you’re currently at, and that’s always important.”
The 33-year-old, who is in first year of a two-year, $64 million contract, emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism in uncertain times.
“Your job is to create value for yourself and your family. You also want to play your best basketball, presenting the best version of yourself not only to your current team but to any other teams that may be interested in you. That’s the approach,” McCollum said.
The New Orleans Pelicans have endured a turbulent season, currently sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference with a 5-22 record. Injuries have plagued the roster, with Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Dejounte Murray, and Jose Alvarado all missing significant time.
Report from NBA insider Marc Stein indicates that the Pelicans are open to significant roster changes. However, they remain committed to building around Herb Jones, rookie Yves Missi, and Trey Murphy III. These three players are considered untouchable as the franchise looks to rebuild and focus on its long-term future.
McCollum has been a bright spot amid the team’s struggles. He is averaging 21.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 33.6 minutes per game this season. His experience and consistent performance continue to make him a valuable asset, both for the Pelicans and potentially for other teams around the league.
While McCollum acknowledged the rumors, he remains focused on delivering his best performance. “In this league, your value is what you make of it,” he said. “The best thing I can do is continue to show up every day and perform at the highest level, regardless of the situation.”
