CJ McCollum is officially staying put in Atlanta, and fans couldn’t be more thrilled! The veteran guard has reportedly inked a one-year, $21 million contract extension with the Hawks, solidifying his place as a key player for the team as they head into the upcoming NBA free agency.
This news, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, puts to rest any speculation about McCollum’s future with the franchise. Since joining the Hawks midseason in a trade for Trae Young, the 34-year-old has emerged as a vital contributor, helping propel Atlanta to an impressive finish in the regular season.
After being acquired from the Washington Wizards, McCollum quickly became a stabilizing force on a roster filled with younger talent. His leadership was instrumental during Atlanta’s remarkable late-season surge, as they finished with a stunning 19-4 record, securing the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference and transforming from a team on the playoff bubble into a formidable contender.
In his 41 games with the Hawks, including 25 starts, McCollum showcased his scoring prowess, averaging 18.7 points per game while shooting an impressive 45.6% from the field and 35.7% from three-point range. His skills were particularly evident during the playoffs, where he consistently caused headaches for the New York Knicks.
Despite the Hawks’ first-round exit at the hands of the eventual champions, McCollum’s clutch performances stood out. He delivered a memorable 32-point game in which he not only scored crucial points in the dying minutes but also hit the go-ahead basket with just 33.5 seconds left, sealing a thrilling victory at Madison Square Garden.
In another nail-biter, he contributed 23 points to help Atlanta secure a narrow 109-108 win in Game 3, showcasing his ability to shine under pressure. As McCollum approaches his 35th birthday in September, he continues to be a consistent scoring threat, averaging 19.5 points per game throughout his career.
Since being drafted 10th overall in 2013, McCollum has earned a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable guards, even without an All-Star nod to his name. He previously claimed the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award in 2016 and has had successful stints with the Trail Blazers, Pelicans, Wizards, and now the Hawks.
As the NBA landscape shifts with free agency on the horizon, fans are left wondering: what’s next for CJ McCollum and the Hawks?
