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.
This extension ensures that the Pelicans will retain their key players – McCollum, power forward Zion Williamson, and high-scoring wing player Brandon Ingram, for the upcoming four seasons.
McCollum, now 31, has spent nine years in the NBA, averaging 19.2 points over his career. He has also scored more than 20 points in each of the last seven seasons.
New Orleans made a remarkable rally to qualify for the Western Conference Play-In Tournament last spring. They managed to defeat San Antonio at home and later triumphed over the Clippers in Los Angeles. This led them to progress to a first-round series against Phoenix, who were the top seed.
The Pelicans won two out of the first four games in their best-of-seven series against the Suns, but ultimately lost in six games.
Last season, Williamson was unable to play due to a foot injury from the previous summer. However, he has since been given clearance to play without any restrictions.
Training camp for the Pelicans is scheduled to begin on Tuesday.
