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New York Knicks: 3 Reasons why CJ McCollum is a perfect trade target

By Allen Settle

PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 26: CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts after his three point basket against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Moda Center on December 26, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 26: CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts after his three point basket against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Moda Center on December 26, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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CJ McCollum. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

The Knicks Need Offense

McCollum has been an extremely steady source of offense since the 2015-2016 season. The veteran holds lifetime averages of 18.7 points per game while averaging over 20 PPG in each of the past six seasons. In 2020-2021, he has posted a career-high 26.7 points per contest.

The former lottery pick is also an extremely efficient scorer. While some NBA stars require a plethora of shots to post top numbers, McCollum has mastered his craft.

This season, he has posted a 47% overall field goal percentage, along with 44% from behind the three-point arc and 84% from the free-throw line. Additionally, he is also chipping in a tidy five assists per contest.

Despite being a bit undersized at just 6’3” and 190lbs, McCollum would be a great fit in New York. Imagine him running pick and roll with Mitchell Robinson. Or driving to the basket with Quickley spotted up from behind the three-point line. Imagine McCollum drawing in the defense and passing to a cutting RJ Barrett or Obi Toppin. The entire offense would receive a major boost.

This would also help tremendously as players like Barrett, Toppin, and Kevin Knox attempt to establish themselves as consistent offensive threats. While some of those names would almost assuredly be sent to Portland in a trade, the remaining pieces would have the benefit of easier offense than ever before.

He would immediately slot in as the Knicks’ go-to scorer. There is even a chance that he could round into one of the best New York scorers in recent memory.

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