Current Nuggets shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will be among the top potential free agents this summer if he declines his $15.4MM player option for 2024/25. A three-and-D swingman still in his prime at age 31, Caldwell-Pope has been a starter on a pair of title teams this decade, with the 2020 Lakers and the 2023 Nuggets.
A pair of Eastern Conference contenders with major projected cap space have interest in the 6’5″ wing, according to Marc Stein (Substack link), who hears from sources that the Magic and Sixers are considering pursuing Caldwell-Pope.
Across 76 contests last season, the former Georgia standout averaged 10.1 points on .460/.406/.894 shooting splits, along with 2.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.6 blocks a night.
Here’s more from Stein’s most recent NBA intel:
- Should the Sixers be unable to add a top potential free agent like Paul George, OG Anunoby or Caldwell-Pope, Stein notes that Philadelphia could opt to trade for Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram or Heat wing Jimmy Butler, the latter a former Sixer. Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan, who could reach free agency should he not agree to an extension by June 30, is also an option, Stein adds.
- Former MVP Russell Westbrook, now a bench guard for the Clippers, has a $4MM player option for 2024/25, but that may not stop L.A. from considering an upgrade at the position. The team has been linked to veterans Chris Paul and Kyle Lowry, both of whom are significantly better shooters and also more comfortable playing off the ball.
- Stein hears that Paul would also draw interest from the Lakers if he reaches free agency, though the team’s interest in him may not be unanimous within the organization.
- As far as the league’s two head coaching vacancies go, Stein reports that the Cavaliers are expected to make a decision soon, while the Pistons may wait until at least July to select their Monty Williams replacement. That would take Detroit through the draft this week and the start of free agency next weekend without a head coach.
Not sure who the 76ers can trade.
They only have 2-3 guys under contract.
I think Ingram would be a good fit though.
So maybe Paul Reed and the #17 ?
Gives NO more ammunition to move up in draft
since they have sole exclusive right to negotiate with their own players until 30 June, they could do a sign-and-trade
Substitute Harris and you might have something. My preference is Utah and Lauri.
Problem with Tobias is a sign and trade is the deal has to be for a minimum of three years (possibly four can’t remember). Tobias attached to a long term deal then holds negative value so I’m not sure that really helps out any other teams
I’m not sure Tobias is a fit there.
New Orleans needs a ball handler with size or a stretch 5 next to Zion. De’Anthony Melton?
Detroit waited so long into the off-season. The decision, right or wrong, should’ve been made sooner. Awful organization.
Tom Gores showing up an hour and a half late to his own press conference tells you everything you need to know
This article is hyping up KCP so much.
He averaged 10-2-2, yes he won a title and yes he shot effectively but he’s not worth top dollar.
I think his player option is accurate with his market value but I can understand him wanting to cash in while the values up. Whoever gives him the dollar is dumb tho
Basketball is played at both ends of the court. Watch games – don’t just click on box scores
Even still you’ll find better defenders on better deals. Smart is twice the defender and is on what 20mil. AC is on 11 as is Thybulle, I could go on.
Thybulle hasn’t shot 40% from 3 in any season in his career. KCP has done it three of his last four years, and the only year he didn’t, he shot 39%.
Like I said, basketball is played at both ends – KCP does them both. Want to know who doesn’t? Thybulle.
It’s never going to be apples to apples, cause every player is different.
Thybulle is definitely the better defender and can play SF whereas KCP has always been a SG. But you’re right about the shooting.
But as I said I could keep going.
Lu Dort just got 15mil a season.
DeAnthony Melton on like 9mil.
Terrance Mann at like 9mil.
Max Strus at like 14mil
As I said 15mil is rough KCP’s market value considering his age aswell I wouldn’t want him tied to that long term either. I understand him wanting to cash in, all I’m saying is this article is talking him up and making us believe he could fetch something like 18/20+mil and I just think whoever does that is dumb
I don’t know if it hypes him as much as proves this is a weak FA class if he’s a top name.
It’s just the average stars not asking for a trade free agency…
No star asking for a trade makes the top options look a bit lack lustre…
No star level player is passing up the Bird bonus… So they’re all getting extensions…
Just my opinion
KCP
Real value: 4 years $70 million
Market value: 4 years $90 million
Market Value – 1 year deal
Chris Paul $10 million
Lowry: $8 million
Westbrook $4 million
Westbrook real value 1 year $12 million
Westbrook has more real value than market value
Garland for Ingram, do it
Pass. Ingram can’t stay on the floor.
Even if KCP still gets the same amount of money from another it’ll be worth it for him if he locks in 3-4 years. I don’t like the idea of paying him more than 20M/yr. I do like his fit on Philly though. They shouldn’t overpay him just because they have cap space.
DOES CP3 or Westbrook have anything left. I wouldn’t mind either one on the Knicks on a cheap deal.