CJ McCollum isn't part of the Washington Wizards' long-term plan. Why would he be at 34 years old? The Wizards can only hope that they'll be able to trade his $30.6 million expiring salary before the Feb. 5 deadline. He's less than a week removed from a 46-point outburst against Atlanta, but he followed that up with an 11-point outing in a loss to Indiana three days later. On Monday? He had 28 points.
McCollum isn't going to drop 40+ points on a nightly basis (the Wizards aren't trying to win anyway), but what Washington needs is for him to be consistent and draw the attention of more suitors before the deadline. After a rough start to the season, McCollum is starting to do that, so hopefully, it'll stick. It would help him, too, to leave D.C., as the 3-16 Wizards aren't going anywhere this season, besides the draft lottery.
Washington doesn't want to be in a position where the only option for McCollum to join a contender is for the team to buy out his contract. Unfortunately, that seems to be the likeliest option, but that doesn't mean the Wizards won't try to see what they can get in return first.
Will the Wizards be able to trade CJ McCollum before the deadline?
McCollum and Khris Middleton, both 34 years old, are good voices to have in the locker room. Things like that matter to rebuilding teams, but when it comes to CJ, the Wizards knew that he wouldn't be in town for long, given his contract. They need more from him than the insight and guidance he gives the team's youngsters.
Between McCollum and Middleton, Washington's best chance at a trade is at the former, as the latter is making a few more million than McCollum, and averaging 9.7 points per game. His shot to join a winning team (again) won't come until next summer in unrestricted free agency.
Maybe the Wizards will get lucky with McCollum, but that certainly won't happen if inconsistency continues to be a theme for him. That won't keep contenders from circling, but it will be in the buyout market, not before the trade deadline.
This might all prove to be nothing more than a wish that won't come true. The next few weeks will decide that. Washington needs it to be CJ McCollum Time every time that the Wizards step on the floor, at least between now and the beginning of February.