Caldwell-Pope Set to Sign With 76ers After Grizzlies Buyout
caldwell-pope-set-to-sign-with-76ers-after-grizzlies-buyout
MEMPHIS — Veteran swingman Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is finalizing a contract buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies and intends to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers once he clears waivers, according to NBA reporter Chris Haynes.
Haynes first indicated in early July that the 33-year-old and Memphis were headed for a split. The Grizzlies, who have traded Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant since acquiring Caldwell-Pope last offseason, are shifting toward a younger roster and opted against carrying his $21.6 million expiring salary into the coming year.
Caldwell-Pope joined Orlando in the summer of 2024 after two productive seasons in Denver that included a championship run, but his shooting slumped to 34.2% from three-point range and his scoring dipped to 8.7 points per game. The Magic sent him to Memphis in last year’s Desmond Bane deal.
In 51 appearances for the Grizzlies, the two-time NBA champion averaged 8.4 points while shooting .410 from the field and .316 from deep before season-ending surgery in February to correct a misaligned right pinky finger.
The former Lakers starter captured his first ring alongside LeBron James in 2020 and spent four seasons in Los Angeles before being included in the 2021 trade for Russell Westbrook. He is represented by Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, who also represents James, Tyrese Maxey, Justin Edwards and Jabari Walker.
Miami reportedly monitored Caldwell-Pope’s availability this offseason, but Philadelphia emerged as his preferred destination. Cap analyst Yossi Gozlan notes the 76ers currently sit above the first-apron hard cap and must shed salary—potentially by waiving Dalen Terry’s non-guaranteed contract or Walker’s $250,000 partial guarantee—before completing expected agreements with James and Caldwell-Pope.
Source: Hoops Rumors
