According to Zach Lowe and Evan Sidery, the Philadelphia 76ers will likely have interest in free agent guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
The Sixers are likely to show interest in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope once free agency begins, per @ZachLowe_NBA (https://t.co/OSZ7uJbXjx).
With over $60 million in cap space, Philadelphia stands out as a serious threat to lure Caldwell-Pope away from the Nuggets. pic.twitter.com/jd5jQ1XgSr
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 20, 2024
Last season, Caldwell-Pope averaged 10.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game with the Denver Nuggets. The Georgia native helped the Nuggets win their first title in franchise history in 2023 against the Miami Heat. Additionally, he played a big role in the Los Angeles Lakers’ championship victory, also against the Heat, in 2020. Prior to Jrue Holiday winning a championship this season with the Boston Celtics, Caldwell-Pope was the only player to win multiple NBA rings in the 2020s decade.
Philadelphia 76ers Expected to Pursue Multi-Time NBA Champion?
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is Not the Only Name on the 76ers’ Wishlist
For the past few months, reports indicated that the 76ers will likley have an aggressive offseason this summer. So far, they have been linked to big names, such as Paul George, Jimmy Butler, and Brandon Ingram, among many others. Additionally, they have expressed interest in New York Knicks wing OG Anunoby. However, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the expectation is that Anunoby will remain in New York. Furthermore, Scotto clarified that George remains Philadelphia’s “top target.”
“The leaguewide expectation is that OG Anunoby will return to the Knicks. The question is, for how much? From executives I’ve talked to around the league, Anunoby’s floor appears to be $35 million, and his ceiling is a max contract. Philadelphia will be looking for a 3-and-D small forward and has the max cap space to make the offer if they believe they’ll miss out on their top target, Paul George.”
Although he is a shooting guard, Caldwell-Pope can offer Philadelphia the 3-and-D addition they are seeking.
Are Other Teams Eying Kentavious Caldwell-Pope?
According to Sidery, the 76ers are not the only team who could have interest in adding Caldwell-Pope to their roster. Additionally, Sidery noted that the San Antonio Spurs and Orlando Magic could pursue the two-time NBA champion. Sidery also said that the Nuggets would like to re-sign Caldwell-Pope. However, their salary cap situation could make a reunion unlikely.
“Kentavious Caldwell-Pope could earn around $20 million annually as an unrestricted free agent.
Caldwell-Pope’s championship experience will be coveted by contenders, but also teams looking to take the next step towards playoff contention.
Keep an eye on the Sixers, Spurs and Magic as potential suitors for KCP.
The Nuggets would like to re-sign Caldwell-Pope, but their tax bill projected into the second apron could force their hand.”
Furthermore, Scotto says there is “concern” from the Nuggets’ perspective that Caldwell-Pope will decline his player option and leave this summer.
“Heading into free agency, there’s also concern that guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope could decline his $15.44 million player option, enter unrestricted free agency, and land a potential short-term offer for a higher salary annually comparable to Bruce Brown’s previous two-year, $45 million deal with Indiana.”
