After the Pistons‘ acquisition of Avery Bradley from the Celtics, the team promptly renounced restricted free agent Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The move puts Caldwell-Pope on the open market, free to sign with any NBA team and there has been no shortage of interest in the 24-year-old guard.
The Lakers are reportedly interested in Caldwell-Pope on a one-year commitment whereas the Nets have remained a suitor — and were expected to issue him an offer sheet before he hit unrestricted free agency. The Nets’ cap space is currently tied up after issuing a four-year, $101MM max offer sheet to Otto Porter. While the Wizards are believed to match the offer sheet, the Nets can continue their pursuit of KCP through discussion with his camp about a potential offer if and when Brooklyn retains cap space.
Los Angeles has about $17MM in cap space, which the team can use on a potential one-year deal. The Nets are more interested in long term pacts, especially after acquiring former second overall pick D’Angelo Russell from the Lakers. It’s ironic that the Lakers could have assembled a Caldwell-Pope/Russell back court and now the Nets are in a better position to do so.
In his fourth NBA season in 2016/17, Caldwell-Pope averaged 13.8 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.5 APG, and shot nearly 40% from the floor in 76 contests. His numbers have not seen a drastic improvement but – given his age and ability – his potential may outweigh his production as teams consider his worth.
One minor detail to remember for any team interested in Caldwell-Pope’s services is that he’s suspended for the first two games of the 2017/18 season. Therefore, he will be eligible for 80 out of 82 games but that will likely not impact any teams pursuit.
With all of this in mind, which destination is most ideal for Caldwell-Pope? Does a one-year investment or a long term teal make more sense for the 24-year-old? Which team would benefit most from plugging him into their starting lineup?
Long term is always the best option for a young player. Even if you don’t pan out, you’re guaranteed that money.
Nets is great for him. He gets to star and develop around a rebuilding team while getting paid well. What more could you want.
I totally agree and the three headed back court of Russell, Lin and KCP will attract someone next year in free agency.
Who?? That backcourt isn’t anything special.
To many ball dominant guards on nets. Lin can’t guard anyone, Russell can’t guard anyone. All three need the ball in there hands to operate. The sole reason he’d go to the nets would for the salary purposes. I could see him setting up in the east somewhere though because it would offer him more of a chance to become an all star.
The hawks and nets are the only teams outside the lakers who have the cap space to meet his demands
KCP to my Suns would be perfect Booker can play PG I see it
Or play Bledsoe at PG
Booker at SG
KCP at SF
With Chriss at PF
Len/Bender/whoever at
KCP turned down $80 million dollars over 4 years from the Pistons because he believes he can get a max deal. I don’t see him taking a 1 year prove it deal with the Lakers if a team like the Nets or the Kings would offer up big money. I’d also watch the Hawks now that they have let Hardaway go. KCP is a Georgia native, and could be persuaded to take a deal with his hometown team.
Maybe kcp will come to his senses and the hawks can get him for four years 48 million
#waitersisbetter