ATLANTA — Veteran guard CJ McCollum is staying put. The Atlanta Hawks have secured the 34-year-old sharpshooter with a one-year, $21 million contract extension that includes a trade kicker, according to his agent Sam Goldfeder.
The deal, confirmed by ESPN’s Shams Charania and other outlets, allows McCollum to bypass unrestricted free agency this summer and remain in Atlanta through the 2026-27 season.
CJ McCollum Re-Signs With Atlanta Hawks: Quick Path to Stability
McCollum arrived in Atlanta via trade from the Washington Wizards in January 2026 as part of the blockbuster deal that sent Trae Young to Washington. In just 41 regular-season games with the Hawks (25 starts), the Lehigh product averaged 18.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.1 rebounds in 28.8 minutes per game while shooting 45.6% from the field.
His presence helped spark a dramatic late-season surge. The Hawks went on a strong run to secure a playoff spot, and McCollum delivered in the postseason — most notably pushing the eventual champion New York Knicks to a competitive six-game first-round series. Standout moments included a 32-point performance in Game 2 and a clutch game-winning jumper in Game 3.
Why This Deal Makes Sense
For the Hawks, the short-term commitment is a low-risk, high-reward move. McCollum brings proven scoring, playmaking, and veteran leadership to a young backcourt without tying up long-term cap space. The inclusion of a trade kicker gives him added protection should Atlanta explore future roster adjustments.
For McCollum, it’s a chance to continue contributing at a high level in a familiar environment after a midseason change of scenery. At age 34, the two-time All-Star and 2016 Most Improved Player remains an efficient offensive weapon capable of stretching defenses and creating for others.
Fan Reaction and Visual Buzz
The announcement quickly lit up social media, especially among Hawks fans.
The move signals Atlanta’s intent to blend veteran experience with its emerging core — including players like Jalen Johnson — as the franchise looks to build momentum heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
McCollum’s extension keeps one of the league’s most reliable perimeter threats in red-and-black for at least one more season. For a team that has undergone significant roster upheaval, it’s a stabilizing “keep” that brings both on-court production and intangible leadership.
Hawks Nation is locked in. Another chapter begins.