Could CJ McCollum become Boston Celtics potential trade target if Trail Blazers shop trade market?
It could be an important, intriguing offseason for the Trail Blazers after their recent coaching search. Damian Lillard could reportedly be looking to get out of Portland, according to Yahoo Sports Chris Haynes, because of the the aging All-Stars concerns of the team building a contender and recent fan backlash with Portland hiring Chauncey Billups as head coach. There were some murmurs earlier this offseason around Lillard, 31, who enjoyed another All-NBA season but isnt getting any younger. The Blazers were bounced in the first round to the Nuggets, showing just how far they were from contention. While Lillard is the big fish, the Celtics could keep an eye on a different Blazer: CJ McCollum. Lillard would require a massive haul likely centered around Jaylen Brown, mucking up Bostons future in a win-now move. But McCollum could be attainable without giving up nearly as many assets. Some NBA insiders have floated around the idea, including The Athletics Jason Quick and Sports Illustrateds Chris Mannix. While speculation doesnt guarantee Bostons interest, a scorer like McCollum, 29, fits in nicely with Brown and Jayson Tatum. If the Blazers elect to blow it up in a Lillard trade for a rebuild, getting as many assets as possible for McCollum would also be a natural next step. While the Celtics will have an eye on Lillard should trade talks materialize, McCollum could be another target. McCollum is signed through the next three years, including at $30.9 million for next season. His age doesnt quite line up with the rest of the core in Tatum, 23, and Brown, 24, but the on-court fit makes sense. Part of McCollums appeal includes how hes already used to playing alongside a superstar in Lillard. The Celtics currently have a need for a scorer and point guard after trading Kemba Walker to Oklahoma City. McCollum can fill in some of that role after averaging a career-high 23.1 points and 4.7 assists per game last season. There are a number of other factors for newly-promoted president of basketball operations Brad Stevens. He made some big moves to start his tenure, between hiring Ime Udoka to replace him and the Walker trade. Speaking of Udoka, McCollum said he was excited about the hire during a recent episode of his McCollum Pull Up Podcast. Of course, theres no guarantee Portland blows up its current core. Theres a shakeup happening in the Pacific Northwest with Billups set to be the next head coach. Lillards situation puts the Blazers in an intriguing position worth keeping an eye on from other teams.