Portland Trail Blazers: Talking about CJ McCollum to NYK trade rumors
PNWS Staff
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The Portland Trail Blazers just completed a big trade with the Clips. Now there are rumors about Portland trading CJ McCollum to the Knicks.
Rumors are swirling that the New York Knicks are interested in CJ McCollum. The only player of value signed to a decent contract NYK has with a value anywhere near CJ and that the Portland Trail Blazers might want is Julius Randle. It’s either that or a package built around Evan Fournier, who is an unlikely target after Portland’s trade with LAC last week.
Here’s what our Pacific Northwest Sports contributors had to say about this rumor in our staff chat.
Andrew Elderbaum (AE)
Apparently, the Knicks are trying to Get McCollum. Salary wise it would have to be Randle-centric.
Ed Stein (ES)
That’s interesting. I think Randle with Dame would be an interesting combo.
AE: He’d fill a need in Portland, and he’s younger than McCollum. His deal is for four more years and with salaries of $23, $25, $27, and $29M. McCollum is at $33 and $36M. So the Portland Trail Blazers are saving money the first two years on the deal. It would make sense for Portland. There would have to be additional salaries to make it work. Maybe Evan Fournier, Kemba Walker, or Alec Burks would fit. I’d take Walker, just use him as an expiring next year or buy him out.
What’s in it for NYK
Chris Phillips (CP)
Isn’t Randle basically who the Knicks built around? Or is it “handle with kid gloves” Derrick Rose? Moving Randle would seem to be a lateral move for the organization.
ES: CJ Could be a megastar at Madison Square Garden.
AE: Randle, as the centerpiece isn’t working. He’s a good complimentary player but regressed this year. If I’m NYK, I’d rather deal Fournier, but can’t they’d find any takers. New York needs to open up minutes for Obi Toppin and Cam Reddish (they traded a first for Reddish). RJ Barret has really made progress this year and could do most of what Randle does offensively.
CP: I agree with Ed. I don’t see why CJ can’t be in a James Harden type of scenario. But still, I feel like NYK getting McCollum would just be the franchise doing a pseudo start over by giving up Randle. Now a Randle and McCollum pairing can make sense for the team to take the next step.
AE: The arent enough minutes for Barrett, Randle, McCollum, Rose, and Fournier. And who is New York sending if not Randle?