Just months into his Pelicans tenure, veteran guard CJ McCollum has indicated a desire to remain in New Orleans long-term. During an interview with Marc J. Spears of Andscape, Pelicans said he hoped to retire with his new club.
“I’m not going nowhere,” McCollum said. “Leave for what? I want to retire here. I’m 30 years old and I have a son who is 13 weeks old. I’m married. When you have something good, you hold on to it. This is something fun for both sides. We’re going to grow. I’m still learning the city. I’m going to find a house.”
The Pelicans are McCollum’s second NBA team. He was traded this season following a fruitful eight-plus years logged with Damian Lillard and the Trail Blazers. He is averaging 24.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG and 5.8 APG through the Pelicans’ first four games in their 2-2 first-round matchup against the Suns. Game 5 is in progress tonight.
McCollum’s passion for the Pelicans must be encouraging for the club’s front office. The 6’3″ veteran still has two seasons left on the three-year, $100MM extension he signed while with Portland.
Here are more highlights from the conversation:
- McCollum raved about the Pelicans’ personnel on and off the hardwood. “You respect [team president David Griffin] as a person in the front office,” McCollum said. “Then there is BI’s [Brandon Ingram] game, JV [Jonas Valančiūnas], Zion [Williamson], Herb [Jones], Trey [Murphy], Jaxson [Hayes] … a lot of young talent they’re considered and they’re going to get even better. I felt like I was what they were missing, and they were what I was missing.”
- McCollum expressed similar excitement about what he’s observed from first-year head coach Willie Green. “He knows what he is doing,” McCollum said. “He’s been around the game for so long. Secondly, he was around the right coaches. He and [Suns head coach] Monty [Williams] are like best friends. He’s arguably the best coach in the league with X’s and O’s, demeanor and getting the most out of his players’ development.”
- McCollum, who could be signed to a three-year extension to his current contract as of August 9, was asked about the possibility of a deal getting done during the offseason. “We haven’t talked yet,” McCollum noted. “I haven’t talked to upper management. But I told my wife before I left [Portland] that ‘Wherever I go, I want to finish my career. New Orleans is on the list of places I would like to finish my career.’ I told my agent that. I’m not about bouncing around. I don’t go through free agency. I’ve been in the league nine years. Have you ever seen me be a free agent? When I’m committed to something, I’m committed to it. New Orleans, in my mind, I’m finishing my career here. That is how I devote myself to a city, things and people.” If he doesn’t sign an extension, McCollum would remain under contract through the 2023/24 NBA season.
- When asked by Spears about the Pelicans’ plan for defeating the Suns and pulling off a historic upset, the best team in the NBA by record with a 64-18 regular season, McCollum was understandably tight-lipped. “I guess we will find out,” McCollum said. “Even if I had the answer, I’m not giving you it until the series is over.”
Like when his contract is done?
CJ is best thing that ever happened to New Orleans ………..
Portland gave him away for nothing. Zero chance the blazers rebuild in one offseason. Awful moves for the blazers this year.
100%
Id be worried with upstairs if I was a Por fan right now
Allen’s sister doesn’t care, she wants to sell the Blazers. She gave old Microsoft friend Steve Ballmer Covington and Powell for nothing as well. I’m not so sure she even entertained other offers.
Well.. Hart and what was a strong 1st round pick…. didn’t work out unfortunately. PDX wasn’t getting to the finals with CJ… unfortunately. Something had to happen.
I’m happy for him tho.
Portland gift
CJ is extension eligible this summer, so…
GM Griffen was on the Cavs staff in Mccollum’s draft year, and approved of taking Winston Bennett instead, the story goes. Probably has regretted that.
@x%
Anthony (“who me” on draft day) Bennett.
Everybody whiffed on every star except for Orlando who picked Oladipo at #2 pick.
10-15 other teams passed on CJ and Giannis.
He’s a local guy tho… I didn’t just pick a quality player at random… And Oladipo playing one state away. The Cavs should (and I think now do) get players likely to want to stay. Local roots is a sign of that, despite Lebron.
Thing is they used their previous two firsts on Irving and Waiters, so did not consider guards. But those two were happy to leave.
It was a good peak inside the FO, wherever it was I read it.
Him, Ingram and Zion (if he ever comes back and isn’t 400 lbs) could be a legit team next season.
He’s a big reason the Pels lost last night. Putrid 1-7 on 3s. Plus he’s getting old for a PG. Never spend big money on an aging PG. The Celtics did that with Kemba and look how that turned out. Pels can keep Graham for a lot less. He needs to play more often.
Yup, CJ just wants another extension. He has 2 yrs left. Let him play it out… Once you give extension, their productivity will decrease.
@Bright
PG isn’t his natural position and he’s only 30.
That’s true. He’s not that old and his game isn’t built around athleticism completely. So he will age well. And CJ gives the team an playoff experienced guy they didn’t have
Graham is terrible… Maybe you’re thinking of Alvarado.
CJ can still blow by people and is an unusually clever, creative and natural ballhandler. He has “fixed” the Pels oncourt— they were a mess.
Walker is just a stepback shooter and previously showed signs of decline with the Celts. He was featured for ppg with Charlotte. He wasn’t risked for much $ by NY.
CJ has cooled off considerably after the explosive first half in game 1… Much like Booker has after half 1 of game 2!
Not that I agree with an extension. No good reason to offer early.