Atlanta Hawks Receive Major Praise for Extending CJ McCollum

ESPN had strong praise for the Atlanta Hawks' decision to bring CJ McCollum back. 

McCollum signed a one-year, $21 million extension with the Hawks before free agency started and ESPN gave Atlanta an "A" for the move. 

McCollum averaged 18.7 points per game with the Hawks in the regular season. Atlanta lost to the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2026 playoffs in six games. McCollum put up 19.2 points per game in that series, showcasing his strong scoring skills on the biggest stage. 

The 34-year-old McCollum finished the 2025-26 regular season averaging 18.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game with the Washington Wizards and Hawks while shooting 45.5% from the field, 37.5% from beyond the arc and 77.2% from the foul line. He's been in the NBA since 2013. 

McCollum has played for the Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, Wizards and Hawks. He holds career averages of 19.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. 

McCollum, who has never been to the NBA Finals, won the 2015-16 Most Improved Player of the Year Award with the Blazers.  

A native of Canton, Ohio, McCollum has buried 2,180 career three-pointers, the 16th most in NBA history. He is one of only seven players in NBA history to knock down more than 2,000 triples while shooting .395%-or-better from deep, joining Ray Allen, Stephen Curry, Buddy Hield, Kyle Korver, Reggie Miller and Klay Thompson.

The Hawks ranked dead last in the NBA in isolation scoring last season (0.80 points per possession), shooting only 37.6% overall on their lowly 4.8 attempts per game. Keeping McCollum ensures Atlanta is more lethal offensively next season. 

During an interview with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, McCollum spoke about staying with the Hawks. 

"I never made it to free agency," McCollum said. "It’s a great situation for both parties. We had good momentum into the playoffs. We didn’t finish the way we wanted, but I think there’s a lot to build on. I love the staff. I love Onsi (Saleh). I love the organization. I love the Resslers. I love Quin (Snyder). I get along really well with the team and the players. There’s a lot of good basketball left for everybody. I’m excited to be back in Atlanta and for the challenge to try to build off what we were able to do last year."

In the post-Trae Young era, the Hawks will be led by McCollum, Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Aaron Wiggins, Lu Dort and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.