Sacramento's Shot at CJ McCollum: A Calculated Risk?
Word out of Sacramento is that the Kings are seriously looking at CJ McCollum, and frankly, it makes a certain kind of sense. The Kings have been searching for that consistent third scoring option, a guy who can create his own shot and take some pressure off De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. McCollum, even at 32, still brings that in spades. He averaged 19.5 points and 4.3 assists last season for the Pelicans, shooting a respectable 42.9% from the field and 38.4% from deep.
Thing is, this isn't a small move. McCollum is on a hefty contract, due $33.3 million for the upcoming season and $30.6 million for 2025-26. For a Kings team already bumping up against the luxury tax, acquiring that kind of salary means serious shedding. They'd likely need to move someone like Harrison Barnes ($18 million) and potentially Kevin Huerter ($16.8 million) just to make the numbers work, and that's before considering any draft capital New Orleans would demand.
Tactical Fit: Instant Offense, Defensive Worries
On the court, McCollum immediately upgrades Sacramento's half-court offense. He's a pick-and-roll maestro, capable of pulling up from anywhere or dissecting defenses with his mid-range game. Imagine him running secondary actions with Sabonis, drawing defenders and creating open looks for Keegan Murray or Harrison Barnes (if he stays). He'd also be a much-needed shot creator when Fox is off the floor or double-teamed. The Kings' offense, which relied heavily on Fox's penetration and Sabonis's passing last season, could become far more dynamic and less predictable.
But here's the rub: defense. McCollum has never been known for his D, and pairing him with Fox in the backcourt creates a significant defensive vulnerability. Both are undersized for their positions and can be targeted by bigger guards. Mike Brown has done wonders with the Kings' defensive effort, but integrating McCollum would be a real test. Opposing teams would salivate at the prospect of attacking that backcourt, forcing Murray and Sabonis to constantly cover for perimeter breakdowns. That's a lot of pressure to put on your bigs.
“McCollum gives you guaranteed buckets, no doubt,” one Western Conference scout told me this week. “But Sacramento already gives up a lot of points. You add him, and you're banking entirely on outscoring everyone. It’s a bold strategy, especially in the playoffs where defense tightens up.”
Financial Juggling and Trade Comparables
The financial aspect is the biggest hurdle. McCollum's contract, while not an albatross, isn't cheap for a player approaching the twilight of his prime. The Kings would have to get creative. A package involving Barnes and Huerter, plus a future first-round pick, seems like the floor. New Orleans, meanwhile, would be looking to clear future salary and add assets for a potential retooling around Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
Compare this to the Jrue Holiday trade to Milwaukee in 2020. The Bucks gave up two first-round picks, two pick swaps, and Eric Bledsoe and George Hill for Holiday, who was two years younger than McCollum is now and a significantly better defender. While McCollum's offensive punch is undeniable, the Kings would be paying a premium for a player with a clearer defensive deficiency and less future contract flexibility. It’s more akin to what the Lakers paid for Russell Westbrook in 2021, albeit McCollum is a much better shooter and less ball-dominant.
For the Pelicans, moving McCollum would be about clearing the books and potentially resetting their guard rotation. Jose Alvarado and Dyson Daniels have shown flashes, and getting off McCollum's salary frees up significant cap space down the line. They could also look to acquire a younger, more defensively-minded guard or a wing. They've been trying to find consistency, and a fresh start might be appealing. New Orleans needs to decide if they're building a contender or if they need to adjust their core.
The Impact on Both Sides
For Sacramento, this move signals a full-throttle push for contention. They've made the playoffs and now they want to make noise. Adding McCollum says, 'We're not waiting.' It would be a significant upgrade in shot creation and veteran leadership. He's been to the Conference Finals with Portland; he knows what it takes.
But it also means sacrificing depth and potentially financial flexibility for the next two seasons. If McCollum declines rapidly, or if the defensive issues are too severe, the Kings could find themselves in a tough spot with limited avenues for improvement. They have to nail this acquisition.
For New Orleans, it's a strategic retreat. They’d be selling high on a veteran guard who’s still productive but whose timeline might not perfectly align with their younger stars. They get draft capital and salary relief, giving them options in future free agency or trades. It’s a logical move for a franchise that needs to figure out its long-term direction and build around Zion’s unique skillset without breaking the bank.
Here's my take: While McCollum's scoring would be a welcome sight in Sacramento, the defensive trade-off and the steep financial commitment make this a high-wire act. The Kings would be putting all their chips in, hoping a potent offense can mask their defensive shortcomings. It's a gamble I'm not sure pays off with a deep playoff run.
Bold Prediction
The Kings will ultimately pass on McCollum, deeming the asking price too high and the defensive fit too awkward, instead pursuing a cheaper, more defensively capable wing.