CJ McCollum Shows Long Term Commitment to Portland as He Becomes the First NBA Player to Achieve this Feat

The rumors surrounding potential trades for CJ McCollum have increased. However, he has made a subtle yet pretty certain statement about his commitment to the franchise. Ever since the bubble last season, McCollum has made it evident that he is a connoisseur of fine wine. Now a decision that was mainly driven by his off-the-court hobbies has become a sign of long-term commitment to Oregon’s only NBA franchise. He has become the first active player in the NBA to own a vineyard. This vineyard is a 318-acre property in Yamhill-Carlton AVA in Oregon. Is this a sign that he has made a long-term commitment to Portland?

CJ McCollum buys a vineyard in Oregon

This news comes a day after McCollum told ESPN’s Jalen Rose and David Jacoby that he has “been talking about the importance of comradery, obviously chemistry,” with new head coach Chauncey Billups. Further, he added, “Dame and I have played together for so long, we understand how to co-exist together, but it’s just more so focusing in on the defensive end.”

This was not an explicit commitment for his long term. But what he has done now possibly means that he is not considering leaving the franchise.

CJ spoke about this decision to buy the vineyard to Food & Wine’s Mike Pomranz. He said “It’s been just over a year since we announced the McCollum Heritage 91 label, but for far longer Elise and I have had the privilege of exploring various vineyard sites throughout the Willamette Valley”.

Further, he added, “As we explored the long-term vision of McCollum Heritage 91 and beyond, we truly craved enhancing our sense of place, which is represented by the acquisition of this beautiful property.”

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What does this mean for the future of McCollum?

The trade rumors around CJ McCollum started when sources around the league claimed Lillard was unhappy at the Blazers. But since the Olympics, even Lillard has clarified that he is not looking to leave. This initiated speculation around the future of some critical pieces in the roster. Since a complete change of the roster to maximize Lillard’s potential was the next prediction. Subsequently, several experts around the league made a bold prediction. That the 76ers will look to get the services of McCollum for Simmons. However, this purchase might be a sign that McCollum has no intentions of leaving the franchise.

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