NBA 2016 News CJ McCollum off the 2017 free agent list, who’s still available
Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors center Marreese Speights (5) during the second quarter in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Reuters - Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The 2015-2016 NBA Most Improved Player CJ McCollum has agreed on a maximum contract extension with the Portland Trail Blazers, officially taking him off the 2017 free agent list.

Leagues sources told The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski that McCollum, 24, agreed to a four-year, US$106 million ($141.62 million) extension with the Blazers. The extension prevents McCollum from becoming a restricted free agent in the summer of 2017.

The new contract will begin in the 2017-2018 season, after the last year of the star guard’s rookie contract. McCollum, who was drafted 10th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft, is set to earn US$3.2 million ($4.28 million) in the 2016-2017 season.

With the new contract to McCollum, the Blazers have officially taken him off the 2017 free agent list. McCollum was expected to be one of the most sought after guards in next year’s free agent class, but with the Most Improved player gone, who is still a viable option for teams hoping to land a shooting guard in the 2017 free agent list?

According to Hoops Hype’s July 18 top free agent shooting guard list, Dwayne Wade is the top choice for teams looking for a shooting guard. Wade is an elite player who is already well in his thirties. He spent his entire career with the Miami Heat before deciding to leave this summer. He signed with the Bulls for a two-year, US$47.5 million ($63.46 million) contract, with a player option for the 2017-2018 season.

Another option to consider is Victor Oladipo of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Oladipo was taken 2nd overall in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic and was seen as the future of the franchise. He was traded to the Thunder during draft night along with Ersan Ilyasova and newly drafted Domantas Sabonis for Serge Ibaka. He will be a restricted free agent after the 2016-2017 season.

Other shooting guards to consider are restricted free agent Kentavious Caldwell-Pope of the Detroit Pistons, restricted free agent Andre Robertson of the Thunder and unrestricted free agent JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Clippers.

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