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CJ McCollum now has with the Washington Wizards what he wishes he had with the Portland Trail Blazers

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Luca Rosano | Last updated Oct 9, 2025 5:50 PM ET

The Washington Wizards acquired veteran guard CJ McCollum in a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans back in June.

The move gave the Washington Wizards a valuable veteran presence in CJ McCollum who will help their young team.

It also will help the Wizards create significant cap flexibility for 2026. McCollum’s contract for the 2025–2026 season is worth $30.67 million and it is expiring, making him a free agent in 2026.

For now McCollum will serve as a leader in the Wizards locker room as the team continues their player development.

CJ McCollum says he wants to ‘preserve as much energy as possible’

McCollum is set to enter his 13th season in the NBA with a fresh start on the horizon after joining the Wizards.

The 34-year-old saw his best playing days when he was a member of the Portland Trail Blazers.

However, McCollum still has a big role at this stage of his career serving as a mentor.

In an interview, McCollum reflected on how he views life in the NBA now compared to when he was younger.

“I want to preserve as much energy as possible. And the patience is at an all time high. I got two kids. So you just understand process. You understand possessions.

“I wish I thought this way when I was 25. I wish I knew then what I know now. But it’s now that I understand it.

“Why would I quit now and when I have all the answers to the test. Like I know everything now in terms of how to be successful in the sport, how to prepare.

“I know how to prepare when I have no nights off, how to prepare when I got two nights off.

“I’ve had 13 tries to get ready for a season. It’s like my life has been an experiment in the basketball realm.

“People ask me when I want to stop playing. I’m like, when I don’t want to take the test anymore, and I have all the answers to the test.

“When you work hard and you enjoy the process, success is inevitable.”

The Washington Wizards’ expectations for the 2025-26 NBA season

The Wizards enter this season with low expectations, carrying the youngest roster in the league.

However, they do have a roster with a lot of raw talent, energy and potential.

Mixed with veteran players like McCollum and Khris Middleton, the Wizards have an opportunity to flip the narrative and greatly improve this season.

The Wizards also have a roster full of players who are elite from beyond the arc. They should be able to get up and down the floor and score at a high level.

While they aren’t expected to compete for a playoff spot, the Wizards should be a fun team to watch this season.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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