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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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New York Knicks
CJ McCollum (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

The Knicks’ Timeline

While McCollum has been around the league for nearly a decade, he is still only 29 years old. While this makes him more aged than the rest of the team’s young core, he would still fit in well with the franchise’s overall timeline.

Julius Randle is currently 26 years old. Obi Toppin, Mitchell Robinson, and Frank Ntilikina are 22. Immanuel Quickley and Kevin Knox are just 21. This would leave the franchise with a window of at least a half-decade to grow alongside one another.

As a point of comparison, veteran guard Lou Williams, who has a similar skillset to McCollum, is still thriving at age 34. Combo guard Jamal Crawford average double-digit points per game through his age-37 season.

The current Blazers #2 will be a few years ahead of the schedule. But the timeline still meshes together well. As each player in this group enters into their prime, McCollum will still be in a great position to serve as an on-court leader for the team.

The Verdict

The Trail Blazers would assuredly ask for a high return for their longtime shooting guard. However, the Knicks have the young pieces and picks to create an appealing package without mortgaging their ability to add future pieces. New York would be wise to pour serious time and attention into this potential trade avenue as the March 25th deadline approaches.

In the worst-case scenario, McCollum would serve as the first option while New York strives for the postseason. In the best case, he would help the franchise re-establish itself before reassuming the secondary role after the team adds another star.

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