CJ McCollum signs 2-year extension with Pelicans
Since joining the Pelicans at the NBA trade deadline last season, CJ McCollum has made an immediate impact with the franchise.
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Pelicans guard CJ McCollum has officially signed a contract extension reportedly worth $64 million over two years, taking him through the 2025-2026 season.
McCollum was acquired from Portland shortly before last season’s trade deadline and averaged 24.3 points after the trade, helping the Pelicans rally into playoff contention.
The extension ensures that the Pelicans will retain their key players McCollum, power forward Zion Williamson, and high-scoring wing player Brandon Ingram, all under contract for the coming four seasons.
McCollum, having recently turned 31, carries nine years of NBA experience under his belt. He has maintained a career average of 19.2 points and has scored more than 20 points per season over the last seven years.
Last spring, New Orleans managed to qualify for the Western Conference Play-In Tournament after a significant rally. They then won against San Antonio at home and went on to defeat the Clippers in Los Angeles. This allowed them to move forward to a first-round series against the top-seeded team, Phoenix.
The Pelicans won two out of the first four games in their best-of-seven series against the Suns, but eventually lost in six games.
Last season, Williamson didn’t participate due to a foot injury he sustained the previous summer. However, he has since been given the all-clear to play without any limitations.
Training camp for the Pelicans is set to begin on Tuesday.
