Christian James McCollum is an American professional basketball player who plays as a shooting guard for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
McCollum was awarded the NBA Most Improved Player in the 2015-16 season after elevating his scoring average from 6.8 to 20.8 points per game.
You can follow CJ McCollum’s net worth, salary, contract, career details, earnings, endorsements, personal details, wife, stats, achievements, and more here.
CJ McCollum’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, CJ McCollum’s net worth is estimated to be $75 million. His earnings come from his salary as a professional basketball player, endorsements, and other sources. CJ McCollum’s career earnings from his NBA contracts amount to $281.1 million.
Net Worth Growth
The following table shows CJ McCollum’s net worth over the years:
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
| 2020 | $45-50 million |
| 2021 | $55-60 million |
| 2022 | $65 million |
| 2023 | $70 million |
| 2024 | $75 million |
Earnings Per Year
Here is a breakdown of CJ McCollum’s earnings over the last 5 years of his NBA career:
| Season | Team(s) | Salary |
| 2023-24 | New Orleans Pelicans | $34,900,001 |
| 2022-23 | New Orleans Pelicans | $33,333,333 |
| 2021-22 | Portland Trail Blazers/New Orleans Pelicans | $60,218,350 |
| 2020-21 | Portland Trail Blazers | $29,354,152 |
| 2019-20 | Portland Trail Blazers | $27,556,959 |
Contract and Salary
CJ McCollum is under a 2-year contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, valued at $68,233,334, which he signed after being traded from the Portland Trail Blazers in February 2022.
This contract extends through the 2023-24 NBA season. Here are the details of his annual salaries under this contract:
- 2022-23 season: $33,333,333
- 2023-24 season: $34,900,001
This contract excludes major bonuses, incentives, or player options.
Endorsements
- Li-Ning Endorsement: In 2017, McCollum signed a multi-year shoe and apparel deal with Chinese brand Li-Ning, transitioning from Nike.
- Pampers Partnership: In 2023, McCollum partnered with Pampers to promote their new diaper product, which featured improved blowout protection.
- McCollum Heritage 91 Wine Label: McCollum launched his wine label, McCollum Heritage 91, in 2020 in collaboration with Adelsheim Vineyard.
- Crypto and NFTs: McCollum had an endorsement deal with the crypto company StormX in 2021.
About CJ McCollum
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Christian James McCollum |
| Nickname | CJ |
| Birth Date | September 19, 1991 |
| NBA Draft | 2013, 1st round, 10th pick |
| Position | Shooting Guard |
| Current Team | New Orleans Pelicans |
| Shirt Number | #3 |
| Debut Year | 2013 |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in |
| Weight | 190 lbs |
| Birthplace | Canton, Ohio |
| Nationality | American |
| College | Lehigh University |
| Current Net Worth | $75 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Elise Esposito |
| Instagram Profile | @3jmccollum |
College Career
CJ McCollum played college basketball at Lehigh University. McCollum finished as Lehigh’s all-time leading scorer with 2,361 career points.
He was named the Patriot League Player of the Year twice, in 2010 and 2012, and was a three-time First Team All-Patriot League selection.
In his junior season (2011-12), he averaged 21.9 points (ranking fifth nationally) and 6.5 rebounds per game, earning AP Honorable Mention All-American honors.
McCollum led Lehigh to 2 NCAA tournament appearances, including a historic upset victory over Duke in 2012.
Professional Career
The Portland Trail Blazers selected McCollum as the 10th overall pick in the 1st round of the 2013 NBA Draft. He made his NBA debut in the 2013-14 season.
McCollum’s breakout season came in 2015-16 when he was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player.
He significantly increased his scoring average from 6.8 points per game in the previous season to 20.8 points per game.
Over the years, McCollum has been known for his scoring ability. He regularly posts high-scoring games, including a career-high 50 points against the Chicago Bulls in January 2018.
In February 2022, McCollum was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. In the 2023-24 NBA regular season season, CJ McCollum averaged 20.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.
McCollum had several standout games, including a remarkable performance against the Sacramento Kings on April 12, 2024, where he scored 31 points and made 9 three-pointers.
In the postseason, McCollum’s averages were slightly lower, with 17.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game through the first-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Wife
CJ McCollum is married to Elise Esposito. The couple began their relationship in late 2010 at the university.
Elise, a Bachelor’s degree in behavioral science and psychology, worked as a dental assistant for over a decade before pursuing a doctorate at Columbia University.
They eventually married on October 27, 2020, in Oregon wine country, a location chosen for their shared love of wine.
Together, they have a son named Jacobi James McCollum, born in January 2022
Career Stats
| Season | Team | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
| 2013-14 | POR | 12.5 | 5.3 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 41.6 | 37.5 | 67.6 |
| 2014-15 | POR | 15.7 | 6.8 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 43.6 | 39.6 | 69.9 |
| 2015-16 | POR | 34.8 | 20.8 | 3.2 | 4.3 | 44.8 | 41.7 | 82.7 |
| 2016-17 | POR | 34.9 | 23.0 | 3.6 | 3.6 | 48.0 | 42.0 | 91.2 |
| 2017-18 | POR | 36.1 | 21.4 | 4.0 | 3.4 | 44.3 | 39.7 | 83.6 |
| 2018-19 | POR | 33.9 | 21.0 | 4.0 | 3.0 | 45.9 | 37.5 | 82.8 |
| 2019-20 | POR | 36.5 | 22.2 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 45.1 | 37.9 | 75.7 |
| 2020-21 | POR | 34.0 | 23.1 | 3.9 | 4.7 | 45.9 | 40.1 | 81.2 |
| 2021-22 | POR | 35.2 | 20.5 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 43.6 | 38.7 | 70.2 |
| 2021-22 | NOP | 34.8 | 24.3 | 4.5 | 5.8 | 49.2 | 39.1 | 70.5 |
| 2022-23 | NOP | 34.3 | 22.1 | 4.3 | 5.1 | 46.2 | 39.1 | 70.5 |
| 2023-24 | NOP | 32.7 | 20.0 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 45.9 | 42.9 | 82.7 |
Achievements
- Franchise Record for Points in a Quarter: On January 31, 2018, McCollum set a Portland Trail Blazers franchise record by scoring 28 points in the first quarter against the Chicago Bulls.
- Career-High Scoring Game: In the same game against the Bulls on January 31, 2018, McCollum scored a career-high 50 points.
- Scoring Streak: During the 2016-17 NBA season, McCollum had a streak of 8 consecutive games where he scored 25 or more points. This was the third-longest streak in Trail Blazers history, behind Geoff Petrie (11 games) and Clyde Drexler (9 games)
FAQs
When did CJ McCollum enter the NBA?
He was drafted in 2013.
What is CJ McCollum’s career high in points?
His career high is 50 points.
Has CJ McCollum ever been an NBA All-Star?
No, he has not been selected as an All-Star.
What college did CJ McCollum attend?
He attended Lehigh University.
Who is CJ McCollum married to?
He is married to Elise Esposito.
What is CJ McCollum’s role with the New Orleans Pelicans?
He plays as a shooting guard.
How tall is CJ McCollum?
He is 6 feet 3 inches tall.
Where was CJ McCollum born?
He was born in Canton, Ohio.
What is CJ McCollum’s net worth?
$75 million.
Does CJ McCollum have any children?
Yes, he has one son named Jacobi.
RELATED ARTICLES
