The Miami Heat are reportedly interested in acquiring CJ McCollum from the New Orleans Pelicans. With a 12-10 record, the Heat are fifth in the Eastern Conference. Despite their strong recent form, they are always looking to strengthen their roster before the playoffs. McCollum’s scoring ability makes him an attractive target for Miami. However, this move may signal desperation rather than calculated ambition.
Miami Heat Predicted as Landing Spot for 20 PPG Scorer CJ McCollum
Miami’s Season So Far
The Heat started the season slowly with a 5-7 record, alternating between wins and losses. However, they have improved significantly, winning seven of their last ten games. Miami’s front office, led by Pat Riley, often focuses on regular-season tinkering to create a playoff-ready roster. This strategy has proven successful in the past, but it also creates pressure to make impactful midseason moves.
The Heat’s offense currently averages 122.2 points per game which ranks 17th in the league. Despite improvements, they lack consistent firepower to support Jimmy Butler. Adding McCollum could theoretically bolster their offense, but at what cost?
CJ McCollum’s Appeal to the Heats
McCollum has been a consistent scorer throughout his career, averaging over 20 points per game in each of the last 11 seasons. This season, McCollum is putting up 20.3 points, 3.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. However, his shooting efficiency has dipped, with a true shooting percentage of 51.9%.
Last season, McCollum played 66 games and averaged 20.0 points on strong shooting splits of 45.9/42.9/82.7. His ability to hit tough shots and stretch the floor makes him appealing to the Heat, who value scoring depth.
The Concerns with Adding McCollum
While McCollum’s offensive capabilities are undeniable, his defensive limitations pose a significant problem for Miami. McCollum has never been known for his defense, and his defensive ratings over the last six years exceed 113.2. At 33 years old, his best defensive days are likely behind him.
The Heat already have younger scorers in Tyler Herro, Terry Rozier, and Duncan Robinson. These players, though flawed defensively, still offer more versatility and potential for development. Miami also ranks as the seventh-oldest team in the league. Adding McCollum would only increase their average age without necessarily improving their title odds.
This move appears geared toward one final playoff push with Butler. However, it’s hard to see McCollum moving the needle enough to justify the risks.
The Pelicans’ Situation
The Pelicans’ 2024-25 season has been derailed by injuries, leaving them with a league-worst 5-20 record. Hopes of competing in the stacked Western Conference have evaporated. With their season essentially lost, the Pelicans could look to shed salary by trading McCollum. Historically, New Orleans has avoided paying the luxury tax. Trading McCollum could provide financial flexibility with his $33.33m cap hit this season off their books. It will open up opportunities to rebuild around younger players like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
The Last Word
McCollum offers scoring and veteran experience, but he comes with significant drawbacks for the Heat. His defensive liabilities, age, and declining efficiency make this a high-risk, low-reward move for Miami. For the Pelicans, trading McCollum aligns with their current priorities of cutting costs and focusing on the future. The Heat’s interest in McCollum reflects their desperation to improve before the playoffs, but they might be better off exploring younger, more versatile options.
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