3 ideal landing spots for CJ McCollum in the 2021 NBA offseason

CJ McCollum is a player who can be expected to be on the trade block this offseason, especially if Damian Lillard forces his way out of Portland. The shooting guard had a poor outing in the 2021 NBA playoffs, and there is a good possibility the Portland Trail Blazers are deeming him surplus to requirements this offseason.

The Portland Trail Blazers might go into rebuilding mode like the Houston Rockets did last season after trading James Harden. Portland is in a similar situation with Damian Lillard's future up in the air, and his decision will certainly affect CJ McCollum's status as well.

On that note, let's take a look at three ideal destinations CJ McCollum should choose if he gets traded in the 2021 NBA offseason -

#3 - Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers v Atlanta Hawks - Game Six

There have been rumblings about a possible deal between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Portland Trail Blazers this summer. The 76ers are looking to offload Ben Simmons, and are simultaneously interested in acquiring the services of Damian Lillard.

I cannot give up on the idea of a Ben Simmons-for-CJ McCollum trade... https://t.co/EnVWQ5l2Om

— Andy Bailey (@AndrewDBailey) July 15, 2021

It will be difficult for Philadelphia 76ers' President of Basketball operations Daryl Morey to convince the Blazers of a straight swap of Lillard and Simmons. However, even if a deal involving Lillard doesn't materialize, there is another Portland Trail Blazers guard the 76ers can target.

CJ McCollum will be a seamless fit with the Philadelphia 76ers. The biggest complaint Joel Embiid and co. have from Ben Simmons is the lack of scoring, and that is exactly what CJ McCollum will provide the 76ers with. He is also a serviceable playmaker, which will help Doc Rivers' team compensate for Ben Simmons' passing.

Good morning shift . Happy Monday 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/OUX5tfL7os

— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) July 12, 2021

McCollum had a rough 2021 postseason, but he remains one of the underrated players in the league. He averaged 23 points and 4 assists on 40% shooting from downtown in the regular season, and that is something the Philadelphia 76ers can really use going into the 2021/22 NBA season.

#2 - Miami Heat

Milwaukee Bucks v Miami Heat - Game Three

The Miami Heat have a brilliant forward-center tandem in the form of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, but they still lack a player who can generate offense from the backcourt. The Heat's experiment with Victor Oladipo didn't go as planned, and Goran Dragic is just not the player he used to be.

That's where CJ McCollum comes in. If the Miami Heat can manage to land CJ McCollum this summer, they can go back to being the threat they were during the 2020 NBA playoffs. McCollum's defense is suspect, but Miami is one of the few teams who have the resources to compensate for that.

McCollum is a 3-level scorer and one of the few players in the league who are a threat from mid-range, which makes him an enticing option for the Miami Heat to have. CJ McCollum himself should push to join the Heat, as they are one of the few teams who can accommodate him well.

#1 - New York Knicks

New York Knicks v Atlanta Hawks - Game Four

Like the Miami Heat, the New York Knicks are in desperate need of a backcourt player as well. The Knicks started Efrid Payton at point guard for the majority of the 2020-21 NBA season, but that didn't work out at all in the playoffs. The roster is extremely thin when it comes to the guard position, and head coach Tom Thibodeau will certainly appreciate the addition of one this summer.

CJ McCollum is an option the New York Knicks could look to explore. He is not a point guard per se, but the team already has two ball-handlers in RJ Barrett and Julius Randle. McCollum can take care of playmaking duties with these two, while providing the side with much-needed scoring punch.

The New York Knicks have the most amount of cap space going into the new season, and while it might not appear to be a glamorous option, CJ McCollum will be a valuable addition to their roster.

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