Could CJ McCollum Reunite with Damian Lillard in Portland? It’s Not as Wild as It Sounds
Damian Lillard is back in Portland. Yes, you read that right.
After two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, the face of the Trail Blazers franchise has returned to Rip City. And now, the question on everyone’s mind: could CJ McCollum be next?
McCollum, Lillard’s longtime backcourt partner and co-star during Portland’s most competitive years of the past decade, is currently with the Atlanta Hawks. He landed there as part of the blockbuster deal that sent Trae Young to the Washington Wizards. But because of the timing of that trade, McCollum is off the table for any further moves until after the Feb. 5 deadline.
That complicates things. Even if Portland wanted to strike a deal now, they’d have to match McCollum’s $30.7 million salary - and the options aren’t exactly easy fits.
The only realistic paths would involve moving either Jerami Grant or Jrue Holiday, both of whom carry significant player options in 2027-28 ($37.2 million for Holiday, $36.4 million for Grant). Given Atlanta’s clear goal of preserving long-term financial flexibility - a big reason why they moved on from Young’s looming $49 million player option - it’s hard to imagine a one-for-one swap that works for both sides.
A Summer Reunion?
But here’s where things get interesting: Portland might not need a trade at all.
McCollum is set to hit free agency this summer. And if Lillard’s return signals a renewed commitment to winning in Portland, it’s not hard to imagine CJ being intrigued by the idea of running it back - especially with a roster that looks far more playoff-ready than the one they left behind.
Let’s be honest - the Dame-CJ backcourt never quite got over the hump in the postseason. They could score with anyone, but their defensive limitations always came back to bite them in the later rounds.
This time around, though, the Blazers are better equipped to cover those weaknesses. Young defenders like Toumani Camara and big man Donovan Clingan are already showing they can anchor a defense.
That kind of support could make a huge difference if the team were to reunite its iconic scoring duo.
And Portland could absolutely use the offensive firepower. McCollum’s still got it - during his brief stint in Washington, he averaged 18.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on efficient 45/39/80 shooting splits. That’s not just solid production - that’s the kind of veteran scoring punch that can swing a playoff game.
A Veteran Bench That Packs a Punch
This season, the Blazers already slid Jerami Grant into a bench role - not because he’s underperforming, but because he’s the only one on the roster who can consistently create his own shot outside of Lillard. Imagine adding McCollum into that second unit.
A bench trio of Dame, CJ, and Grant? That’s a serious offensive weapon, especially come playoff time when rotations tighten and half-court execution becomes king.
And here’s the key: bringing McCollum back wouldn’t derail the development of Portland’s young core. The team could still prioritize minutes for its rising stars, while leaning on CJ in key moments or when the offense needs a jolt. It's the same logic that applied to bringing in Lillard and Jrue Holiday - surround the kids with high-IQ vets who can space the floor, create off the dribble, and show them how to win.
Is There Mutual Interest?
Right now, there’s no clear indication that Portland and McCollum are actively pursuing a reunion. The Blazers are still trying to evaluate what they have when fully healthy - something they haven’t been all season. Meanwhile, McCollum is just starting to settle into his new situation in Atlanta.
But here’s what we do know: the Blazers are no longer in a full-blown rebuild. With Lillard back, a promising young core, and a front office that’s clearly thinking about winning now, the door is open for a move that once felt impossible.
And if CJ McCollum is looking for a place to chase wins while still playing meaningful minutes, there might not be a better fit than the city and team where it all started. The idea of Dame and CJ sharing the court again - this time with better support, more experience, and a deeper roster - suddenly doesn’t feel like a fantasy.
It feels like something worth watching.