Trail Blazers Rumored to be on Verge of Trading CJ McCollum to Pelicans For Three Players and Draft Picks

Trail Blazers Rumored to be on Verge of Trading CJ McCollum to Pelicans For Three Players and Draft Picks

On Tuesday, the first major deal of the NBA trade deadline season was finally announced. The Portland Trail Blazers, who sit as the No. 11 seed in the West, have traded guard CJ McCollum to the Pelicans for Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Tomas Satoransky and draft picks, according to the Atheltic's Shams Charania.

As of Tuesday morning, the trade had still not been finalized as the teams work out final details, but we can assume that the draft picks involved are quite substantial based on the fact that Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Tomas Satoransky are hardly the haul expected for an All-Star caliber player.

McCollum has been rumored to be on the trade block for a few years now. He and teammate Damian Lillard had once created one of the best backcourts in the NBA, but with the Blazers failing to get it done and struggling this season, sending McCollum on his way makes sense.

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McCollum was rumored to be part of a potential trade for Ben Simmons, as was Damian Lillard in a separate deal, but it appears as though he will be headed to New Orleans.

In nine years as a pro, McCollum has averaged 19 points per game on 45.3% shooting. This season, McCollum is averaging 20.5 points per game.

The question now turns to Damian Lillard. With McCollum on his way out and the Blazers seemingly going into tank mode, does Lillard become available? We will see in the coming days.

*This story is developing. We will update as more news becomes available