The New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum is likely to get traded to the Orlando Magic this offseason. A team is generally not built with either youngsters or only veterans. That is why whenever teams get into their rebuilding phase, they build their core around a youngster but also keep an experienced player on the roster. Veterans play a major role in grooming the youngsters, and the Magic are eying to land a couple of them.
The Lehigh Mountain Hawks product McCollum played 75 games for the Pelicans last season and averaged 20.9 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game while shooting 38.9 percent from beyond the arc. The Magic want to part ways with some players, and so is the case with the Pelicans. Will the two teams help each other out? Here is all the information you need about the trade between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Orlando Magic involving CJ McCollum.
What would the Magic offer for CJ McCollum?
The Magic are expected to offer Jonathan Isaac, Gary Harris, Chuma Okeke, and a 2025 top 5 protected first-round pick in exchange for the Pelicans’ #3. A lot contributes to a player being pushed out of the team, and Isaac probably has done enough to annoy the Magic that much.
Most 3-pointers made by a non All-Star over the past 5 seasons:
1,381 – Buddy Hield (40.0%)
923 – CJ McCollum (38.6%)
900 – Terry Rozier (37.1%)
887 – Tim Hardaway Jr. (37.4%)
873 – Malik Beasley (38.0%)
859 – Bojan Bogdanovic (40.4%)
849 – Jordan Clarkson (33.8%) pic.twitter.com/H9P2JA7AzG— The Lead (@TheLeadSM) October 14, 2023
Why would the Pelicans trade-off CJ McCollum?
McCollum has not been that great for the Pelicans lately, he is aging now and fills up a significant amount of space in the salary cap. This deal helps the Pelicans to get rid of that huge contract. They are getting some quality rotational players, along with an invaluable draft pick.
Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum played 10 games together for 172 minutes last season 😳
Praying for a healthy season.#Pelicans pic.twitter.com/Wl8czIu78l
— Pelicans Nation (@PelsNationCP) October 11, 2023
Why would the Magic like to sign CJ McCollum?
The Magic do not have to worry about financial issues, and that is why they would not mind keeping the 32-year-old’s huge contract. They wanted to part ways with Isaac since he is one of the most injury-prone players and this deal does that for them as well.
Will McCollum be able to maintain his performance? How would the Magic line up if they acquired him? We’ll keep you updated.
