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CJ McCollum Rumors
Middleton is a three-time all-star and 2021 NBA champion who ranks 22nd among active players in career earnings, per Spotrac. McCollum, who’s four slots behind, has averaged at least 20 points per game every season since the 2015-16 season. While they have the most name recognition on the Wizards, they’re also among the least important for the team’s long-term future. So why are they in D.C., spending among the last years of impressive careers on a team that will likely finish near the bottom of the standings? Part of it — the part the Wizards brass emphasizes — is that both can be positive influences for the organization’s young talent. The veterans’ heady play could provide on-court stability for an occasionally disorganized team. Middleton and McCollum are also well-respected for their professionalism and could serve as role models to learn from and emulate.
The Wizards, in the early stages of a rebuild, were happy to take Middleton’s contract in the swap, but that wasn’t the prize. That would be guard AJ Johnson, a 2024 first-round pick who fits the organization’s timetable. Washington also acquired a 2028 first-round pick swap. Another benefit for Washington: Middleton’s deal expires after next season while Kuzma’s runs through 2027, bringing the Wizards closer to having cap space. That desire for financial flexibility also prompted the move for McCollum, which a person with knowledge of the deal described as the next phase of the Bradley Beal trade.
The Wizards could have more than $100 million in cap space after next season when Middleton’s and McCollum’s contracts expire. What they do with that room depends on how the season goes — but a very real path is that Washington continues to take on expensive contracts from teams needing cap relief and acquires more draft assets as sweeteners.
CJ McCollum: The CBA is not perfect but we’re doing well
CJ McCollum: “The CBA is not perfect — I’ve never said it is. But everything’s negotiation. The pod is growing. Players are making more money. There’s talk about the mid-level, the VAT minimum, the max. From a statistical standpoint, we’re heading in a good direction. The second apron, salary aggregation — those are big topics. But this wasn’t a ‘my agenda’ thing. We had to negotiate what’s best for players. Dialogue is key. The more we talk, the more we grow. From 2013 to 2025, guys are making more, licensing checks increased, the 2K deal improved — we’re doing well.”
CJ McCollum on when he was traded: “I was on a Zoom call with my wife and two of our wine company employees. I got a call and I hadn’t talked to Joe in a long time... He told me he was trading me to the Wizards. I said, ‘For who?’ He told me. I went back in, I said, ‘We’re going to DC.’ My wife was like, ‘The Wizards?’ Natalie and Ryan were like, ‘It’s okay if you need to call us back.’ I said, ‘Yeah, I need a minute. I got to call my agent.’ I had like a 9-minute head start. He was like, ‘No, I’m calling you first.’ I was like, ‘Thanks — that’s nice of you to call me 11 minutes before everybody else.’”
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"It's been a privilege to serve on the NBPA Executive Committee for the past seven years and uniquely shape the business of our game," said CJ McCollum. "I am encouraged by the future of the PA under Fred’s leadership, as he has earned the basketball community's respect and has proven he is ready for this next step. I look forward to supporting him as we continue building a stronger Association that serves past, present, and future generations of players."
CJ McCollum will continue serving in an NBPA advisory position
Shams Charania: CJ McCollum's four-year term expired and he will now serve in an advisory position. Major new union role for VanVleet, the 2019 NBA champion who has signed multiple deals that have set records for the highest paid undrafted player ever in the league
Fred VanVleet replaces CJ McCollum as President of the NBPA
Shams Charania: Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet has been elected as the new President of the National Basketball Players Association, succeeding CJ McCollum, sources tell ESPN. VanVleet begins a four-year term as the next NBPA leader.
Sources say Washington has continued to gauge the trade market on Marcus Smart and the recently acquired Kelly Olynyk, who became a Wizard as part of the recent deal with New Orleans headlined by Jordan Poole and CJ McCollum.
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Bobby Marks: Here are the financials (starting in 2025-26) To New Orleans Jordan Poole: $31.8M, $34M, UFA 2027 * $4.25M in unlikely bonuses that count toward the apron Saddiq Bey: $6.2M, $6.5M, UFA 2027 * $333K in unlikely bonuses that count toward the apron To Washington CJ McCollum: $30.7M, UFA 2026 Kelly Olynyk: $13.4M, UFA 2026
New Orleans trading CJ McCollum to Washington
Chris Haynes: New Orleans Pelicans are trading CJ McCollum to the Washington Wizards, league sources tell me.
Jordan Poole heading to New Orleans
Shams Charania: The New Orleans Pelicans are trading CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk and a future second-round pick to the Washington Wizards for Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey and the No. 40 pick, sources tell ESPN.
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