After agreeing with point guard Damian Lillard earlier this summer on a super–max extension, the Portland Trailblazers wasted no time, getting back to work when addressing LIllard’s co-star C.J. McCollum, as the team singed him to an extension as well this week.
The move not only solidifies Portland as McCollum’s home but also the Trailblazers as a top Western threat with a lethal backcourt.
“CJ McCollum is a franchise cornerstone and a critical part of our future,” said Trailblazers president Neil Olshey. “This extension represents a strong level of commitment between CJ, the Trail Blazers and the city of Portland.”
The Blazers drafted McCollum at number ten overall during the 2013 NBA Draft. After a lackluster sophomore campaign in which he averaged just 6.8 points per game, McCollum put up an impressive 20.8 PPG mark the following season, which earned him Most Improved Player of the Year honors.
The deal in place for McCollum now stretches his contract by three more years, allowing the Trail Blazers to maintain his services until the 2024-25 season for a $100 million price. Last year, McCollum averaged 21 points, four rebounds, and three assists per game as the Trail Blazers marched all the way to the Western Conference Finals. McCollum essentially carried Portland past the Denver Nuggets during the playoff series prior by dropping 37 points to propel the team towards a Game Seven victory.
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Warranting this financial commitment to McCollum was not only his high skill level, but also his impressive chemistry with Lillard, as each player’s play style often compliments the others. The Lehigh University product also remains an adored player within the Portland organization, reportedly often carrying himself as a professional and with class.
Since he is understandably excited, McCollum took to Twitter to thank his friends and receive congratulations following his agreement to the deal.
With Lillard and the Portland front office fully behind him, McCollum eagerly awaits his next chance to blaze forward and to wear his familiar red and black threads.
