CJ McCollum was recently traded from the New Orleans Pelicans to the Washington Wizards in a high-profile deal that brought Jordan Poole and Saddiq Bey to New Orleans. At 33 years old, McCollum is now starting fresh in the nation’s capital, while also concluding his time as president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), a role he held for three years.
Transition in NBPA Leadership Marks a New Era
After serving as vice president for three years, McCollum was elected NBPA president in 2021. His term ended recently, with Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet succeeding him and beginning a new four-year leadership period. This leadership change comes at a critical time as the association navigates evolving league dynamics.
Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet has been elected as the new President of the National Basketball Players Association, succeeding CJ McCollum, sources tell ESPN. VanVleet begins a four-year term as the next NBPA leader. pic.twitter.com/Ghl3kcjg3m— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 12, 2025
Controversy Surrounds McCollum’s Role in the New Collective Bargaining Agreement
McCollum played a central role in negotiating the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which has led to significant changes in NBA roster construction and financial strategies. While intended to reshape league operations, the CBA has proved divisive among fans, many of whom have criticized McCollum for the restrictions it imposes on teams.
McCollum Speaks Out on CBA Challenges and Their Impact on Teams
On The Young Man And The Three podcast, McCollum addressed the criticisms related to the new CBA, emphasizing fairness for teams that draft well and build contender rosters.
You shouldn’t be punished for drafting well,
McCollum said.
…You should be able to pay and keep and retain the players that you’ve drafted. And when you have a window where you really have a chance to compete and win a championship, you shouldn’t have such severe restrictions.
“You shouldn’t be punished for drafting well.” — Former NBAPA president CJ McCollum discusses the implications of the new CBA and things that need to change pic.twitter.com/mIEtGJbbyq— TheYoungManAndTheThree (@OldManAndThree) July 25, 2025
Despite these clarifications, his comments have reignited debate among NBA fans, many of whom blame McCollum for the way the new rules limit teams’ capacity to retain talent.
Fan Reactions Illustrate Divisions on the New CBA
The backlash in the fan community has been fierce, reflecting frustration at the current CBA structure. Several criticisms directly targeted McCollum’s role in shaping the deal.
Should blame the guy who negotiated the last CBA,
one fan commented.
You’re the one that ruined the league,
another fan stated sharply.
So…why did you structure this in a way that punishes teams for drafting well?
questioned a third.
Some voices offered a more tempered view.
Right message….wrong messenger,
a fan noted.
Implications of the CBA Controversy for the NBA’s Future
The evolving CBA has deeply affected how NBA teams manage their rosters and salary caps, complicating efforts to build and maintain championship-caliber lineups. McCollum’s involvement in this process has placed him at the center of intense discussion about the league’s direction. As Fred VanVleet assumes NBPA leadership, players, teams, and fans will closely watch whether adjustments can address the growing concerns associated with the current agreement.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did CJ McCollum get a collapsed lung?
A. Yahoo! Sports mentions that a pneumothorax happened following a rib injury, though no link has been confirmed. Pneumothorax often results from chest injuries, lung conditions like COPD or LAM, or burst air blisters. It can also happen to patients using mechanical ventilation.
Q. How tall was CJ McCollum at 14?
A. When he began as a freshman in 2005, he was quite short, measuring just 5 feet 2 inches (1.57 meters) tall.