CJ McCollum, New Orleans Pelicans
I’m not sure how likely it may be before the wheels fall off with the New Orleans Pelicans, but I believe it’s a situation that deserves some monitoring from the Philadelphia 76ers. Because CJ McCollum may be a perfect replacement for James Harden next to Joel Embiid. And with two years remaining on his contract, the timeline would fit almost perfectly with Embiid. If the Pelicans would get to a point where they’re open to reshuffling their roster and pivoting toward some of their younger guards, perhaps they’d get to a point where they’re open to trading McCollum.
If they are, it’s easy to see why the Sixers would be interested in building out a new big three around McCollum, Tyrese Maxey, and Embiid. McCollum is still very productive at this point in his career and could benefit by being moved to a team where he can seriously compete for a championship. As talented as the Pelicans are, I’m not sure that’s happening in New Orleans.
Again, this possibility relies on the Pelicans falling out of the West playoff race pretty quickly. But that’s not that unrealistic.