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 implies that the Pelicans will maintain their core team, including McCollum, power forward Zion Williamson, and high-scoring wing player Brandon Ingram, under contract for the upcoming four seasons.
McCollum, now 31 years old, has been in the NBA for nine years, with an average of 19.2 points throughout his career. He has also consistently scored over 20 points in each of the last seven seasons.
Last spring, New Orleans managed to rally and qualify for the Western Conference Play-In Tournament. They claimed victory over San Antonio at home before defeating the Clippers in Los Angeles, which propelled them into a first-round series against the top-seeded Phoenix.
In their best-of-seven series against the Suns, the Pelicans won two of the first four games but ultimately lost in six games.
Williamson was unable to participate in last season’s games due to a foot injury he suffered the previous summer. However, he has since been given medical clearance to play without any limitations.
The training camp for the Pelicans is set to open on Tuesday.
