CJ McCollum, from « Salary Dump » to Playoff Hero with the Hawks

No one could have predicted that a trade described as a simple « salary dump » in January would turn into a masterstroke for the Hawks. When the franchise traded its star Trae Young for C.J. McCollum on January 9th, few observers imagined that the 34-year-old veteran guard would become the playoff hero at Madison Square Garden.

« I would be lying if I said ‘Hey, this is going to happen,' » Hawks GM Onsi Saleh told The Ringer. « I didn’t expect him to take over and be the kind of player he’s been in the last two games. It’s just pretty incredible. »

An Unexpected Leader Transforming the Hawks

McCollum totaled 58 points in the first two playoff games at MSG, including a decisive 32 points in Game 2. This exceptional performance perfectly illustrates the veteran’s impact on a young team made up of Jalen Johnson (24), Dyson Daniels (23), and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (27).

« I’m not surprised by his confidence and his ability to do what he does, » Saleh explains. « I just didn’t expect this level of efficiency — like everything has been so good, and he just took control of the series, and in such a dramatic way. It takes pressure off some of our guys. »

Coach Quin Snyder highlights the nature of his guard’s leadership: « It’s a different kind of leadership, in my view, than what he’s had at other points in his career, because he has to find a balance between communicating, talking to guys and thinking about everyone — but we don’t want him to lose his aggressiveness scoring. »

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Results That Speak for Themselves

Since his arrival, the Hawks have posted a record of 27 wins and 15 losses, with the seventh-best point differential in the league over that stretch. Atlanta’s new starting five, with McCollum alongside Johnson, Alexander-Walker, Daniels, and Onyeka Okongwu, boasts a net rating of 21.4, ranked the second-best lineup in the league.

« He calms everyone down, » says veteran Buddy Hield. « And when it’s time to make a basket, we put the ball in his hands and trust him to make the right play. »

For McCollum, this resurgence comes at the right time after difficult years in New Orleans and then Washington. « I’m just grateful to be able to play in the playoffs, on a good team, in a good situation, » the guard said. Facing hostile chants from Knicks fans, McCollum keeps his cool: « I’m just a father and a husband with two kids. I think it’s admiration. It’s a blessing to be able to play in an arena full of passionate fans. »

CJ McCollum: « I am no villain. I’m a nice guy with two kids and a wife. I think it’s admiration. Great passionate fans in a really hostile environment. It’s fun. It’s basketball. It’s the playoffs. If anything, I think it’s a sign of respect. » pic.twitter.com/pXdHn1dSrl

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) April 21, 2026