CJ McCollum agreed to a one-year, $21 million extension with the Atlanta Hawks through 2026-27, including a trade kicker.
Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum has agreed to a one-year, $21 million contract extension to remain with the team. He had until June 30 to get a new deal done before reaching free agency for what would have been the first time in his NBA career.
Atlanta's plans were simple. In January, Dallas Hoops Journal noted that shortly after acquiring the guard, both sides discussed a potential one-year, $20 million extension.
McCollum, approaching 35 next season, began the 2025-26 season with the Wizards. The Wizards traded him and Corey Kispert to the Hawks in exchange for Trae Young, who chose to decline his $49 million option to enter free agency. However, Young is anticipated to remain with Washington.
Often considered one of the best players never to be named an All-Star, McCollum scored below 20 points for the first time in ten years. At 34, he averaged 18.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.0 steals over 76 games with the Wizards and Hawks, playing around 29.8 minutes per game. His shooting percentages were 45.6% from the field, 35.7% on 3-pointers, and 74.8% on free throws.
Locking in the salary decreases Atlanta's cap space for this offseason, as Yossi Gozlan of ThirdApron notes. He estimates the Hawks will be about $15.5 million below the luxury-tax threshold if they pick up their $24.3 million option on Jonathan Kuminga.
McCollum played a key role in Atlanta's late-season 18-2 streak, helping them climb the Eastern Conference standings. He carried this momentum into the first round against the New York Knicks, scoring 26, 32, and 23 points in the first three games, giving the Hawks a 2-1 series lead. His 32-point game was crucial in winning Game 2 at New York, and he hit a clutch 15-foot fadeaway with 12.7 seconds left to win Game 3.
McCollum scored 17, 6, and 11 points in the last three games as Atlanta's offense struggled. Meanwhile, the Knicks secured three straight wins to finish the series and advance to the championship. Over six playoff games, McCollum averaged 19.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists.
The 13-year veteran averaged 18.7 points and made 35.7% of his 3-pointers in 41 regular-season games with the Hawks. This season extended his streak to 11 consecutive campaigns with at least 150 made 3-pointers, a feat no other player has achieved since 2015-16.
The Hawks face a decision with the No. 8 overall pick in the NBA Draft on Tuesday. McCollum could be a veteran guard to play in front of a developmental guard if they choose to go that direction. There is also the option of taking a center and running it back with more size in the frontcourt.
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