CJ McCollum appears to have convinced the Atlanta Hawks that he's worth investing in beyond the 2025-26 season. Acquired in the trade that sent Trae Young to the Washington Wizards, McCollum turned in a solid regular season and an at times miraculous postseason in his first year with the Hawks.
If a recent report proves true, then it appears as though Atlanta has committed to pursuing evenues to bringing McCollum back for at least one more season.
McCollum certainly played well enough to justify a new deal, but question marks exist due to the simple fact that he'll turn 35 before the 2026-27 season. For a Hawks team that's young, athletic, and in possession of two first-round draft picks in 2026, it's thus fair to wonder if they're interested in re-signing an older player knowing they'll be expecting a significant role.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Hawks would like to re-sign McCollum during the 2026 period of free agency.
"While Atlanta wants to re-sign veteran guard CJ McCollum in free agency, according to league sources, the 13-year veteran turns 35 in September, and the Hawks could use depth at point guard."
Though it's wise to aim to acquire depth at point guard, it should surprise no one that the Hawks are interested in bringing McCollum back for at least the 2026-27 season.
Hawks reportedly want to re-sign veteran guard CJ McCollum
McCollum played 25 regular season games for the Hawks after the mid-season trade that brought him to Atlanta. During that time, he averaged 18.7 points, 4.1 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 1.0 steal, and 2.3 three-point field goals made on .456/.357/.748 shooting.
McCollum then played hero early in the playoffs, posting 26 points in Game 1, 32 points and six assists in Game 2, and 23 points in Game 3 against the New York Knicks.
It was a clear display of what McCollum can offer the Hawks and how seamlessly he fits their rotation. Nickeil Alexander-Walker thrived as a two-way guard who averaged 20.8 points per game on .459/.399/.902 shooting, and Dyson Daniels is both an excellent defender and a skilled playmaker.
Without a true go-to scorer in the backcourt, however, the Hawks were at their best in 2025-26 with a committee of players who could pass, dribble, and shoot.
McCollum at least checks that box in the short term as a proven commodity who seemingly still has a great deal left in the tank. He can create for himself and others, space the floor as an off-ball shooting threat, and even take turns running the offense.
It's fair to debate how long of a contract the Hawks should offer McCollum given his age, but the general interest in re-signing him is apparent and easy to understand.
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