Trail Blazers trade CJ McCollum to Pelicans

The Portland Trail Blazers have had one of the best backcourts in the NBA for nearly 10 years, but they are ready to break it up.

CJ McCollum is on the verge of being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans for a package that includes Josh Hart and draft picks, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

There have been reports leading up to Thursday’s trade deadline that the Pelicans were eyeing McCollum. They view the 30-year-old as an ideal veteran scorer and leader to pair with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.

McCollum is averaging 20.5 points, 4.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game this season. Hart, 26, has averaged 13.4 points and 7.8 rebounds.

McCollum has spent his entire career in Portland, but we recently heard of one reason he could be dealt.

The Blazers supposedly remain committed to building around Damian Lillard, and the McCollum trade should give them some financial relief.