The Washington Wizards came into this season hoping that CJ McCollum’s veteran presence would help stabilize a young, developing roster. Instead, they’re staring at another year near the bottom of the standings, and McCollum’s fit has become more of a question than an answer.
The issue isn’t just about wins and losses-it’s about direction. Washington is clearly in the early stages of a rebuild, and while McCollum brings leadership and scoring, his timeline doesn’t match the rest of the roster. That makes him a logical trade candidate as the February deadline approaches.
**If the Wizards decide to pivot fully into youth development, McCollum is the veteran most likely to be moved. ** Other vets on the roster, like Khris Middleton, have struggled with availability, making McCollum the more movable piece-especially given that his contract is expiring.
That’s a key detail. Expiring deals can be valuable in the right trade framework, particularly for teams looking to clear cap space or make a short-term push.
Let’s take a look at three teams that could make a move for McCollum-and why a deal might actually make sense for both sides.
1. Golden State Warriors: Looking for a Spark
The Warriors are in a weird spot. They’re still trying to maximize what's left of the Stephen Curry window, but the roster hasn’t clicked the way they’d hoped. That’s why they’re expected to be active at the deadline, and CJ McCollum could be exactly the kind of steadying presence they need in the backcourt.
Golden State has been linked to trade talks around Jonathan Kuminga before, and if Washington still values the young forward’s upside, there could be something to build on there. McCollum wouldn’t just be a scorer for the Warriors-he’d be a secondary playmaker who can keep the offense humming when Curry’s off the floor. And with Jimmy Butler now in the fold, adding another high-IQ player who can score in the halfcourt could be the missing piece to balance out their attack.
The big question is whether Golden State is willing to part with young assets to make a short-term push. But if they believe McCollum can help them contend, the fit is there.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves: A Veteran Boost for a Rising Team
The Timberwolves have taken a big step forward this season, and Anthony Edwards is blossoming into a true star. But if there’s one area where Minnesota could use a little help, it’s in the backcourt-specifically, adding another creator who can take pressure off Edwards during key stretches.
Minnesota has been linked to younger guards like Coby White, but if that doesn’t materialize, McCollum represents a solid Plan B. He’s a proven scorer, a capable ball handler, and someone who’s been through playoff wars.
His averages-18.8 points, 3.5 assists, 3.3 rebounds on 44.5% shooting-aren’t eye-popping, but they’re steady. And in the right situation, especially one with postseason aspirations, he could thrive.
The Wolves went the veteran route before when they brought in Mike Conley, and that move paid off. McCollum could offer a similar impact-stabilizing the offense, spacing the floor, and giving Edwards a little more freedom to operate.
3. A Desperate Buyer: The Wild Card Factor
There’s always at least one team at the deadline that feels the pressure to make a move. Maybe it's due to injuries, underperformance, or simply the need to shake things up. That’s where McCollum’s expiring contract becomes a real asset.
For a front office trying to salvage a season or make a playoff push, McCollum offers a low-risk, high-reward option. He doesn’t require a long-term commitment, and his skill set is plug-and-play-he can score, run an offense in stretches, and won’t shrink under pressure.
Washington, meanwhile, could use this as a chance to take on longer-term contracts in exchange for draft capital or young players. It’s a classic deadline formula: one team gets help for now, the other plays the long game.
Bottom Line:
CJ McCollum may not have been the long-term answer in Washington, but that doesn’t mean he’s without value. In fact, his experience, scoring, and leadership could be exactly what a playoff-hungry team needs in the second half of the season.
Whether it’s the Warriors, Timberwolves, or another team that emerges as a surprise buyer, don’t be shocked if McCollum is on the move before the deadline. The Wizards are looking ahead-and moving on from McCollum might be the next step in fully embracing the rebuild.