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3 reasons why the CJ McCollum trade is amazing for the Pelicans

By Jack Simone

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 19: CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts against the Miami Heat during the second half at FTX Arena on January 19, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 19: CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts against the Miami Heat during the second half at FTX Arena on January 19, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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3 reasons why the CJ McCollum trade is amazing for the Pelicans
PORTLAND, OREGON – MARCH 16: CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers was called for an offensive foul as he tried to get past Eric Bledsoe #5 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Moda Center on March 16, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. Blazers won 125-124, 3 reasons why the CJ McCollum trade is amazing for the Pelicans. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

The New Orleans Pelicans started the season 1-12, and yet they now sit in a position to compete for a play-in spot in the Western Conference.

With Zion Williamson sidelined for (what seems to be) the rest of the season, many thought the Pelicans could be sellers. But instead, they chose to be buyers and plan for Williamsons’ return next season.

New Orleans traded Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Tomas Satoransky, Didi Louzada, and a protected 2022 first-round pick to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for CJ McCollum, Larry Nance Jr., and Tony Snell.

This trade not only gives the Pelicans hope for the rest of this season, but for the upcoming seasons as well. Why was this deal a huge win for the Pelicans?

3 reasons why the CJ McCollum trade is amazing for the Pelicans: Trying

This sounds like the bare minimum for any franchise around the league, but it really does matter. This trade, at the very least, shows that the New Orleans Pelicans are trying their best.

They are trying their best to give Williamson the best chance to succeed. They are trying their best to create a winning roster. They are trying their best to improve.

New Orleans is no longer sitting idly by just watching players walk away for nothing (Hi, Lonzo Ball). The franchise has realized that they need to do whatever they can to keep Williamson around.

After the rumblings that Williamson is unhappy in New Orleans circling this past offseason, this trade shows that they want to keep him around. Adding McCollum takes them to the next level (to some degree).

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