Sitting at a league-worst 6-29 on the season, the New Orleans Pelicans are expected to be sellers as we approach the NBA trade deadline over the next month. But despite the team’s struggles, Pelicans star guard CJ McCollum isn’t all that worried about potentially being traded, largely because he has constantly been in trade rumors throughout his career.
On Friday, the Pelicans snapped an 11-game winning streak against the Washington Wizards thanks to a season-best performance from McCollum, who had just his second career 50-point game in the 132-120 victory.
After the game, McCollum addressed his future in New Orleans, making it clear that he and his family like the city of New Orleans and he would like to stay if that’s okay with The Ringer’s Bill Simmons.
“I mean, I’ve been here, this is year 12 right? I’ve been in trade rumors since my third year in the league. After my third year, Bill Simmons had me getting traded every week somewhere,” said McCollum. “So I understand what comes with that. For me, I play the game the right way. I do things the right way and I play hard. Obviously, this team values me and I’m sure there are some other teams that value me as well.
“Obviously, I like the city. My wife likes the city. My kids are happy here. I came here for a reason. But at the same time, some things aren’t’ in your control. You just play the game and do what you do and hope for the best. I’m gonna do my job and I’m gonna prepare. My value is going to be exactly where it needs to be. If you know what that means.”
McCollum seems to realize that at the end of the day, it may be in the Pelicans’ best interest to trade him considering their struggles on the season. However, it sounds like he’s going to do what’s in his power to make them, and Bill Simmons, think twice before they do.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.