NBA Roundup: Caldwell-Pope Expected to Join Sixers; Warriors Considering Hezonja; Wolves Stars Plan Paris Workout
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Philadelphia — Veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is negotiating a contract buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies and plans to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers once he becomes a free agent, according to multiple reports.
The 33-year-old would reunite with LeBron James, his former Los Angeles Lakers teammate, after the pair won the 2020 NBA championship. Caldwell-Pope is entering the final season of a deal worth $21.6 million, but Memphis has shifted toward a younger roster and has already traded Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. this offseason.
Philadelphia can offer only the veteran minimum, approximately $3.88 million for one year, and still needs to create additional cap space before officially adding both Caldwell-Pope and James. Caldwell-Pope is represented by Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports and James’s longtime agent.
Last season, Caldwell-Pope averaged 8.4 points and shot 31.6 percent from three in 51 games for Memphis before undergoing season-ending finger surgery. The 76ers view him primarily as a perimeter defender and floor-spacer with championship pedigree.
Warriors Monitor Hezonja
The Golden State Warriors are among the teams showing interest in forward Mario Hezonja, ESPN reported. The Cleveland Cavaliers have also been linked to the 31-year-old, who spent the past six seasons overseas following five years in the NBA. A former No. 5 overall draft pick, Hezonja is exploring a return to the league.
Timberwolves Backcourt Plans Paris Session
Minnesota Timberwolves guards Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball are organizing offseason workouts in Paris with center Rudy Gobert, The Athletic reported. The duo hopes to gather as many teammates as possible to build chemistry ahead of the 2024-25 season. Ball joined Minnesota in a blockbuster trade with the Charlotte Hornets earlier this summer.
Source: Hoops Wire
