Star two guard CJ McCollum may well be on the move, as he is heavily linked in a potential trade for Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks. These trade discussions are heating up rapidly as we wait to see if or when that deal is finalized.
Averaging 18.9 points this season, but in each of his last 11 seasons, he has averaged at least 20 points per game, proving he’s still a valuable two-guard in this league. One key aspect to making the deal work is the financial side, especially with the new CBA penalties for the luxury tax. Let’s review the contract and salary of the former Portland Trail Blazers star.
A Look at CJ McCollum’s Contract and Salary Amid Trae Young Trade Discussions
One of the enticing aspects of McCollum from the Hawks’ perspective is that not only is he still an efficient scorer.
However, he’s also a rental, and his salary will be off the books next year. He is an unrestricted free agent in the 2026-27 season.
According to Spotrac, McCollum signed a 2-year, $63.9 million contract with the New Orleans Pelicans before his trade to the Wizards last season; his base salary this season is $30.66 million.
Looking At McCollum’s Prior Earnings
Originally, McCollum was a tremendous servant for the Trailblazers. In their primes, he and Damian Lillard formed one of the most potent scoring backcourts in the league.
McCollum was well compensated during his time in Portland as well. For instance, during his rookie-scale contract, he earned $10.4 million, before signing a 4-year $106.6 million deal with an average salary of over $26.6 million, taking him to the 2021 season.
He then signed a three-year, $100 million veteran extension with them, before being moved to the Pelicans midway through that season.
Potential Trade to Hawks: Do the Salaries Match?
It’s hardly a coincidence that Young, McCollum, and Corey Kispert are all out of their respective games Wednesday night, increasing the likelihood that this would be the central part of the deal between the two sides, and it could well be imminent.
According to Marc Stein of the ‘Stein Line‘, the Wizards have emerged as the legitimate trade destination for Young in a deal centered around McCollum’s expiring contract.
The Wizards have emerged as a legitimate potential trade destination for Atlanta’s Trae Young, @TheSteinLine has learned, in a deal construction centered around CJ McCollum’s expiring contract.
More to come here: https://t.co/i9CobUR55T pic.twitter.com/k9xOa2DZas
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 5, 2026
Atlanta likes the Wizard’s sharp-shooting wing Kispert, and his salary is $13.9 million for 2025-26. Plus adding McCollum’s $30.6 million salary to send to Atlanta for Young who’s salary is $45.9million, is a legal trade.
PFSN will have you covered for details of this possible deal.
