CJ McCollum Signed Early Extension With Pelicans To Show He’s ‘Serious About My Commitment To New Orleans’

CJ McCollum told NBA reporter Will Guillory of The Athletic that he signed an early extension with the New Orleans Pelicans to show he’s “serious about my commitment to New Orleans.”

McCollum signed a two-year, $64 million extension with the Pelicans in September 2022. 

“I’m serious about my commitment to New Orleans. I don’t do this for play-play,” McCollum said. “This place holds a special place in my heart, and my family feels the same way.”

The Pelicans acquired McCollum from the Portland Trail Blazers in February 2022. McCollum, who was born and raised in Ohio and played the first 564 games of his NBA career with Portland, has grown to love the city of New Orleans. 

“It’s been cool learning about the South, experiencing a new culture, and meeting the people,” McCollum said. “People in this city are very authentic. They are blunt, which is great for me because it matches my personality. When you show love to the people, they show it back. All it took was a few months, and me and my wife fell in love with this place.”

One of the best scorers in the NBA, McCollum is averaging 18.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists this season while shooting 45.3% from the field, 41.2% from beyond the arc and 79.4% from the free-throw line. 

The Pelicans are 39-26. They are in fifth place in the Western Conference standings. 

“CJ’s shooting has been tremendous for us this season. The way he’s shifted some of the things he’s doing on the court has been extremely important for our success on offense,” Pelicans head coach Willie Green said. “He’s a guy who’s had a ton of success in this league. So, to see him be so open to doing things differently, that sends the right type of message to everyone else on the team.”