KEY POINTS

  • The Pelicans' original choice was De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings
  • New Orleans settled for CJ McCollum after the attempt to get Fox bogged down
  • The Pelican can rely on McCollum, who brings his prowess from the three-point area

The New Orleans Pelicans acquired CJ McCollum from the Portland Trail Blazers, but it appears that the 30-year-old guard was not the original choice of the franchise.

This is according to NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski, who claimed that the Pelicans initially had their sights set on another guard from the Sacramento Kings–De’Aaron Fox.

The Pelicans had reportedly expressed interest in the 24-year-old guard, but apparently, those plans went for naught.

They failed to work out a workable deal, a reason why they shifted their attention on McCollum.

The nixed intent is understandable. Fox is someone the Kings plan to hold on to–ironically someone that other teams also had their eyes on.

However, the Kings made it clear that Fox is not up for grabs. He was one of the players that the Philadelphia 76ers wanted to be part of a potential Ben Simmons trade, Matt Moore of the Action Network reported.

Simmons was linked to the Kings, and Philly wanted a package that involved Fox and Tyrese Haliburton.

With those plans failing to come to fruition, the plausible alternative was to target McCollum.

CJ McCollum
CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles upcourt during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, Dec. 23, 2017. Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Aside from the 2016 NBA Most Improved Player, the Pelicans also landed Larry Nance Jr. and Tony Snell.

Gone are Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Tomas Satoransky, Didi Louzada, a 2022 first-round pick, and two future second-round picks.

With a proven shooter in the mix, it will be interesting if the coming of McCollum can help boost the Pelicans' chances starting this season.

The native of Ohio is expected to bring his outside shooting threat to the Pelicans, aiding Brandon Ingram on the offensive end.

Moreover, McCollum could help space the floor with his outside shooting prowess and give Zion Williamson some help.

The 21-year-old has yet to play this season, but the entry of McCollum should provide a big boost--particularly when he operates inside the paint.

As of this writing, they are at the 10th spot of the Western Conference with a 22-32 win-loss card.

Ironically, the Blazers are not too far behind with a 21-34 card, just 1.5 games behind.

De'Aaron Fox
De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket for a layup against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center on January 14, 2022 in Sacramento, California. Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
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