KCP 76ers deal lined up after Grizzlies buyout, ESPN says
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope plans to sign a one-year, $3.9 million 76ers deal after clearing waivers, according to ESPN.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
2 min read
KCP to the 76ers is lined up after Kentavious Caldwell-Pope agreed to a buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies, according to ESPN, with the veteran guard planning to sign a one-year, $3.9 million deal in Philadelphia once he clears waivers.
ESPN reported that the buyout was completed Saturday by the Grizzlies and Caldwell-Pope’s agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul. The move would put a proven wing shooter and defender on a Sixers roster that ESPN said added LeBron James one day earlier.
Why is KCP joining the 76ers?
According to ESPN, the buyout gives Caldwell-Pope a path out of Memphis and toward Philadelphia, while the 76ers get another veteran perimeter option. A player must clear waivers after a buyout before signing with a new team, which is why the reported deal is planned rather than completed.
Caldwell-Pope, 33, brings championship history with him. ESPN noted that he won an NBA title with James on the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 during the league’s bubble season, then collected a second ring with the Denver Nuggets in 2023.
The Sixers’ appeal is plain from the timing reported by ESPN: Philadelphia is adding Caldwell-Pope right after the James signing, giving the team another experienced player with a track record next to its newest star. Caldwell-Pope’s role, based on his career profile described by ESPN, has long centered on floor spacing and defense on the wing.
How did Caldwell-Pope play with the Grizzlies?
His Memphis season was cut short. ESPN reported that Caldwell-Pope had surgery in February to fix a misalignment in his right pinkie finger, then missed the final 31 games of the season.
Before the injury, he appeared in 51 games for the Grizzlies. ESPN listed his averages at 8.4 points, 2.7 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 21.3 minutes per game.
Those numbers marked his fewest points and minutes per game since his rookie season, according to ESPN. He shot 49.5% on 2-point attempts and 31.6% from 3-point range.
The shooting split is the number Philadelphia will be watching. ESPN described Caldwell-Pope as one of the league’s notable 3-and-D players across his career, but also reported that his 3-point percentage has dipped in recent seasons.
- ESPN reported Caldwell-Pope shot at least 39% from 3-point range from 2020 through 2024.
- Over the past two seasons, ESPN said he has not topped 34.2% from deep.
- The planned 76ers contract is for one year and $3.9 million, pending waivers, according to ESPN.
For Philadelphia, the reported move is another quick roster jolt. For Caldwell-Pope, it is a chance to reset after an injury-hit year in Memphis and join a team ESPN says is reshaping the Eastern Conference picture.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.