Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is negotiating a buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies and intends to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, according to reports from Chris Haynes. This move would reunite the veteran player with LeBron James, with whom he previously played for three seasons on the Los Angeles Lakers.
Caldwell-Pope and James were teammates on the Lakers from 2018 to 2021, contributing to the franchise's 2020 championship victory. Both players also reportedly share the same representation agency, Klutch Sports.
While Caldwell-Pope secured another championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023, he is expected to take on a reserve role with the 76ers. The team will be looking for his contributions in shooting and defense off the bench. Last season, Caldwell-Pope averaged 8.4 points and 2.5 rebounds in 21.3 minutes per game for the Grizzlies. However, his three-point shooting saw a notable dip, making just 31.6 percent of his attempts, a decrease from his five-year average of 40.3 percent.
Memphis acquired Caldwell-Pope last year as part of a trade that sent Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic. Caldwell-Pope had signed a three-year, $66 million deal with Orlando in 2024 before being traded to Memphis, where he played for one season.
The 76ers, boasting a strong starting lineup that includes James, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and VJ Edgecombe, are looking to build depth for a sustained postseason run. Caldwell-Pope would join a potential reserve unit that includes Anfernee Simons, Labaron Philon Jr., Dean Wade, and Ariel Hukporti.