CJ McCollum – Portland Trail Blazers

Much like the situation with Michael Porter Jr, the Portland Trail Blazers are not actively shopping CJ McCollum and are not looking to trade him, but if they see an early exit in the playoffs once again, they could be willing to shake up their roster. 

Even though CJ McCollum has been a fan-favorite in Portland for years and has had a lot of success with Damian Lillard, the Trail Blazers have a big decision to make about the future of their organization, especially if this team cannot break through and make the NBA Finals this season.

Sure, they have had a lot of regular season success with their dominant backcourt duo of Lillard and McCollum, but Portland’s management and ownership wants to see progress with this roster and over their last seven playoff appearances, they have made the Western Conference Finals just once.

CJ McCollum has always been known as Damian Lillard’s “sidekick” and while he is a great player in his own right, he will never get the recognition he deserves as long as he is in the shadow of Lillard in Portland. As a result, McCollum has never been named an NBA All-Star, even though he performs better than guys who have earned such an honor, and will never be more than a “second scoring option.”

With the Knicks, not only could McCollum be an All-Star, but he would be the leader and number one scoring option on this team. CJ McCollum is one of the best all-around scorers in today’s NBA and being 29-years old, he is in the prime of his career. Every season, the former Lehigh standout is getting better and on the right team, could turn into one of the best players in the entire league. 

CJ McCollum is the player the Knicks need and should want moving forward for their franchise. He presents them with not only the best chance to contend for a playoff spot, but potentially turn this team into a true championship contender down the road.