Report: Pelicans frequently linked to CJ McCollum in trade talks

As Jake Fischer recently wrote, the emergence of Anfernee Simons could lead the Portland Trail Blazers to trade veteran CJ McCollum. He also noted the New Orleans Pelicans are "the destination most often linked to McCollum."

According to sources close to the Pelicans, the team is heading into the deadline as a buyer focusing on the 2022-23 campaign. Zion Williamson, who has yet to play this year with a foot injury, is eligible for an extension this offseason. The team apparently views McCollum as the potentially ideal veteran scorer and leader to play alongside Brandon Ingram and Williamson.

Source: Eric Pincus/Bleacher Report

ANALYSIS: McCollum has spent his entire career with the Trail Blazers since being selected 10th overall out of Lehigh in the 2013 NBA Draft. The 30-year-old is averaging over 20 points per game for the seventh straight season and shooting 40.2% from beyond the arc. The Pelicans have remained competitive in the West after starting the season 1-13 and could look to push towards the Play-In tournament.