CJ McCollum On Raptors: "Certain Players Not Happy", Trades Coming


Seems like everyone is speculating on what's wrong with the Toronto Raptors this season—even rival players. New Orleans Pelicans' veteran CJ McCollum—who is also the president of the players association—spoke on his CJ McCollum Show podcast this weekend on the state of his Raptors brethren, and he says something's gotta give.

In terms of what they need or what they're lacking—something's gonna happen. There’s rumblings about certain players on the team not being happy. And due to tampering, I can’t speak to that, but I think they’re gonna move someone at some point.

Something needs to change because they're way too talented to be struggling the way they've been struggling throughout this season. They've got too many good pieces, they've got too many guys that are not only impactful and quality NBA players on that team, but that would be quality and impactful on other teams. 

McCollum might know a thing or two about the vibe in Toronto as he was teammates with the Raptors' Gary Trent Jr. while they were together with the Portland Trail Blazers. The NBPA president said certain Toronto players could even have larger roles in other situations. He added that he definitely expects them to be active by the Feb. 9th trade deadline.

"In terms of how active they've been at the deadline—how they got their championship was being active, right?—they're going to figure out a way to improve... to tinker with their roster a little bit.

"I look for them to definitely rebound. Whether that's continuity and continuing to figure itself out, or making a move."

One player has been mentioned more than others as being available, but certainly expect the Raptors to be a major player in trade movement over the next few weeks. 

Photo: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports