CJ McCollum’s Time in D.C. Might Be Ticking - But the Wizards Need Him to Shine Until It’s Up
CJ McCollum isn’t part of the Washington Wizards’ long-term vision - and at 34 years old, he was never expected to be. What he is, though, is a veteran guard on a $30.6 million expiring contract, and that makes him one of Washington’s most valuable short-term assets as the February 5 trade deadline creeps closer.
The Wizards are in full rebuild mode. At 3-16, they’re headed straight for the draft lottery - not the playoffs.
But McCollum’s presence still matters, and not just for what he brings in the locker room. Washington needs him to be productive on the court, consistent enough to catch the eye of a contender looking for a scoring punch or a stabilizing presence off the bench.
And lately, he’s starting to do just that.
Less than a week ago, McCollum erupted for 46 points against Atlanta - a vintage performance that reminded everyone he can still catch fire. He cooled off in the next game, putting up just 11 in a loss to Indiana.
But on Monday, he bounced back with a solid 28-point effort. That kind of output - even if not always explosive - is exactly what Washington needs from him in this stretch.
Let’s be clear: McCollum isn’t going to drop 40 every night, and the Wizards aren’t trying to win many games right now. But the more he shows he can still score at a high level, the more likely it becomes that a playoff team will come calling before the deadline.
That’s the best-case scenario for both sides. McCollum gets to chase wins again, and the Wizards get something - anything - in return before his deal expires.
The alternative? A buyout.
And that’s a route Washington would rather avoid. Letting McCollum walk for nothing after February would be a missed opportunity, even if it’s starting to feel like the most probable outcome.
Still, the Wizards are going to try to flip him first - and they should.
McCollum, along with Khris Middleton - who’s also 34 - is the kind of veteran presence young teams appreciate. He’s a pro, he’s been through playoff battles, and he knows how to carry himself.
That matters in a young locker room. But Washington didn’t bring him in just to be a mentor.
They need him to produce, to stay healthy, and to show enough on the floor to make himself attractive to teams with postseason aspirations.
Between McCollum and Middleton, McCollum is the more likely trade chip. Middleton is making more money and averaging just 9.7 points per game.
He’s also more likely to hit the open market this summer as an unrestricted free agent. McCollum, on the other hand, is playing well enough to draw some interest now - but only if he keeps it up.
That’s the key. McCollum can’t afford to be up and down. Inconsistency will push him out of the trade market and into the buyout bin, where contenders will gladly scoop him up without giving the Wizards anything in return.
There’s still time for Washington to make something happen - but not much. The next few weeks will be crucial.
If McCollum can string together more strong performances, he could become one of the more intriguing names on the trade market. If not, the Wizards may be stuck watching him walk away for nothing.
For now, Washington needs it to be CJ McCollum Time every time he steps on the floor. Not because they’re trying to win games - but because they’re trying to win the trade.