Kentavious Caldwell-Pope cleared waivers on Tuesday, two days after reaching a buyout with the Grizzlies, and is expected to sign a veteran-minimum contract with Philadelphia once the club’s recently created cap space is formalized. The Sixers opened room beneath the first-apron hard cap by moving Johni Broome, positioning them to add another player with championship credentials and experience alongside LeBron James.
Despite that pedigree, coach Nick Nurse is unlikely to deviate from his preferred nine-man rotation, according to The PhillyVoice’s Adam Aaronson. Minutes off the bench are projected to go primarily to free-agent additions Dean Wade and Anfernee Simons, together with whichever reserve center claims the backup role. Caldwell-Pope will compete with forward Dominick Barlow — who logged 71 games and 59 starts last season — and rookie guard Labaron Philon Jr. for the remaining spots.
The 31-year-old guard struggled in Memphis, shooting 41.0% from the field and 31.6% from three-point range, but Aaronson contends he was used out of position and views the minimum deal as a low-risk move for Philadelphia.
Backup center remains priority
Behind Joel Embiid, the Sixers currently have only Adem Bona, Ariel Hukporti and a collection of small-ball options. Aaronson lists Yves Missi as a potential trade target if New Orleans continues to shop the 22-year-old, who is owed $3.5 million this season. Acquiring Missi could cost Philadelphia its 2033 first-round pick or the rights to Philon. Should those talks stall, newly signed Jazz center Jaxson Hayes is cited as another possible, though likely expensive, alternative.
Brown says he was “top one” MVP
In a YouTube video launching his own shoe brand, Jaylen Brown claimed he should have won last season’s MVP award with Boston, stating, “I’ve been a top-five MVP candidate. Should have been top one, but the media votes for that.” Brown added that he plans to improve “the details and efficiency” of his game regardless of external expectations.
LeBron jersey breaks sales record
LeBron James’ decision to join the Sixers has already produced a milestone off the court. Fanatics reports that James’ new Philadelphia jersey has become the top-selling uniform ever for an athlete changing teams, surpassing the mark set by Shohei Ohtani when he signed with the Dodgers in 2023.
Source: Hoops Rumors
